Uganda has experienced steady economic growth, yet its trade structure remains highly dependent on a limited number of commodities, which hinders economic diversification. While regional trade within frameworks like the East African Community, the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) present opportunities, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Uganda face challenges integrating into regional value chains (RVCs) due to barriers like high costs, regulatory barriers, and limited access to financing, market information and technology. To address these issues, UNCTAD has launched a project aimed at enhancing SMEs participation in RVCs by equipping policymakers and businesses with essential tools, policy incentives, and market insights.

Organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives and the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office in Uganda, the workshop aims to validate the findings of the UNCTAD impact study, which assesses the challenges and opportunities for Ugandan SMEs in participating in regional value chains under AfCFTA. Building on the earlier consultation workshop, this two-day event will gather stakeholders from the public and private sectors, academia and development partners to peer-review the study’s recommendations, identify policy tools and incentives, and strengthen dialogue around SME competitiveness and regional trade integration. The workshop will also place emphasis on sectors with high SME potential, including iron and steel, automotive, dairy, coffee, fish, and pharmaceuticals.

Bringing together approximately 45 participants, the workshop will cover thematic discussions, presentations and recommendations to refine the project’s implementation in Uganda. Participation is by invitation only.