The Global Innovation Index 2025 (GII) takes the pulse of innovation against a background of steady but slow global economic growth, shrinking innovation finance and sluggish productivity. It reveals the most innovative economies in the world, ranking the innovation performance of around 130 economies while highlighting innovation strengths and weaknesses. In the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2025, Uganda was ranked 124th out of 139 economies.
The Economic Report on Africa (ERA) is the flagship annual publication of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA). It is a comprehensive analytical report that reviews Africa’s economic performance and prospects, focusing on key structural issues such as trade, industrialization, finance, technology, governance, and regional integration.
Increasing proliferation of pests has continued to threaten food security in Uganda. In Uganda, crop losses due to pests and diseases are estimated at 10-20% (pre-harvest) with an annual loss in monetary terms amounting to US$ 35-200 million (bananas), US$60-80 million (cassava), US$10 million (cotton), and US$8 million (coffee). This has constrained food access among poor households and the susceptibility to pests and diseases in most of the food insecure regions is a major obstacle to staple food availability, limits food access and leads to food security.
The fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV), identifies philanthropy Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)) as one private financing options that can be leveraged by government over the medium term. According to the Public Investment Financing Strategy (PIFS) 2022, optimizing the benefits associated with CSR in Uganda requires that activities aligned to CSR be streamlined.
The GII assesses countries based on various indicators, including institutions, human capital and research, infrastructure, market sophistication, and business sophistication. Uganda's lower ranking suggests challenges in areas such as research and development, infrastructure, and innovation outputs.
In July 2025, a smart meter power plant worth Ushs 54 billion was inaugurated in Kawempe, Kampala, by the Minister of Energy and Mineral Development. The plant features full-scale production lines, quality control systems, and laboratory testing facilities with the capability to meet international meter manufacturing standards. When the plant is fully operational, it will have capacity to produce 600-700K single phase meters and 300-350K three-phase meters annually.
Pura Organic Agro Tech Limited, a cassava processing factory in Nakasongola District was launched by H.E the President. The facility employs about 130 people and is expected to provide a stable market for cassava farmers in central Uganda. Over 1800 outgrower local farmers are embracing cassava production as these agro-processors invest in farmer training to increase yields, and value addition. Yields are expected to improve yields from 2 to 6 tons per acre.
Uganda set up UNMC to manage the state’s commercial interests, including exploration and mining where private entities are unwilling. Government views the mineral sector as a central to the country’s sustainable development and aims for the sector to contribute at least 7 percent of the economy’s GDP by 2040.
Medium, Small and Micro Enterprises are the lifeblood of Uganda’s economy, accounting for over 90% of private sector firms and employing millions of citizens. Their vitality directly impacts the livelihoods of countless families and communities across our country. This report shines a light on the tremendous entrepreneurial spirit of Ugandans and the resilience of our MSMEs, whilst also identifying critical gaps and barriers constraining their growth and success.
The World Investment Report 2025 indicates that global Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) expanded by 4% from USD1.45 trillion in 2023 to USD1.51 trillion recorded in 2024. The growth was however, inflated by volatile financial flows through several European economies with high levels of conduit flows. When these are excluded, global FDI flows contracted for the second consecutive year by 11% from USD1.67 trillion to USD1.49 trillion in 2023 and 2024 respectively.
