On 21 October 2025, Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, together with UNIDO, signed a project agreement funded by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAECI) / AICS for €1.7 million (approx. Ushs 6.8 billion). The Project goal is to: strengthen Uganda’s private sector through capacity-building, business services, and international partnerships, with a focus on entrepreneurship (especially for youth and women). The initiative’s primary goal is to strengthen Uganda’s local private sector through business services and entrepreneurial capacity building, leveraging international partnerships. Within the framework of the UNIDO Gender Mainstreaming Guide, the project will ensure women and men equally lead, participate in, and benefit from the project’s activities. The initiative is aligned with Uganda’s Vision 2040 and its National Development Plan IV.

The key implications for Uganda’s Private Sector Landscape include:

1. Enhanced SME Competitiveness: Strengthened operational and managerial skills among SMEs will improve firm competitiveness and viability.
2. Institutional Strengthening: Private sector organisations will be better positioned to shape policies and represent business interests.
3. Job Creation and Inclusivity: Targeted support for youth and women entrepreneurs will broaden participation and generate employment.
4. Market Integration: Increased capacity will assist Ugandan firms in penetrating regional and global markets, including under AfCFTA frameworks.

For more insights, please visit the link below:

https://ambkampala.esteri.it/en/news/dall_ambasciata/2025/10/signing-of-the-agreement-for-the-new-project-strengthening-the-private-sector-through-capacity-building-and-international-partnerships-in-uganda/