From Production to Prosperity: Hon. Francis Mwebesa, Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, Republic of Uganda Unveils Uganda’s Tenfold Trade Growth Plan at the UK–Africa Summit

Unveiling the Tenfold Trade Growth Strategy

At the 15th UK–Africa Business, Trade & Investment Summit, Hon. Francis Mwebesa unveiled Uganda’s Tenfold Trade Growth Strategy — an ambitious roadmap to increase exports tenfold within the next decade through industrial capacity expansion, value addition, and exportable services. Anchored in President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s directive that “Uganda must add value before export,” the plan redefines industrialisation as a people-centred movement driven by innovation, inclusion, and productivity.

“Value addition is not optional; it is the foundation of Uganda’s competitiveness.” – Hon. Francis Mwebesa

Redefining Industry: The Rise of Uganda’s New Industrialists

Hon. Mwebesa highlighted a shift in Uganda’s industrial landscape — identifying young innovators as the new generation of industrialists. “Our future factories,” he said, “will be powered not only by capital but by skills, creativity, and digital innovation.”

To support this transformation, the Government of Uganda is expanding National Industrial Hubs across all regions, providing training, machinery access, and incubation spaces to turn ideas into tangible products.

“This industrial revolution won’t begin in skyscrapers but in workshops and villages — with small machines turning ideas into products.”

The “People-Driven Industrial Gospel”

Describing Uganda’s approach as a “people-driven industrial gospel”, Hon. Mwebesa outlined a grassroots framework for inclusive transformation focusing on:

• Youth-led innovation and enterprise
• Skills-based industrial capacity
• Distributed, community-level manufacturing
• Policy support from the highest levels of government

This ensures industrialisation is not an elite pursuit, but a nationwide effort rooted in empowerment, skills, and shared prosperity.

Strengthening UK–Uganda Trade Relations

Hon. Mwebesa reaffirmed Uganda’s deepening partnership with the United Kingdom, thanking the British High Commission and UK–Uganda Growth Partnership for their continued support in bilateral trade and industrial cooperation. This aligns with Uganda’s National Export Development Strategy (NEDS), designed to diversify exports, raise standards, and boost competitiveness.

“We are grateful to the United Kingdom for its financial and technical support — a vital instrument in boosting Uganda’s export performance.”

NEDS leverages Uganda’s diplomatic missions to promote exports, attract investors, and strengthen both bilateral and multilateral trade relations.

Vision: A Productive, Exporting Nation of Innovators

Hon. Mwebesa articulated a vision for a modern, value-adding, and youth-led economy — where every Ugandan leaves school equipped with tools to produce, innovate, and export. He emphasised education as the foundation of productivity and competitiveness.

“We envision a Uganda where every young person leaves school not just with knowledge, but with tools — and an opportunity to become a producer, a job creator, and a builder of this nation.”

Closing Message

Through industrial hubs, export diversification, and international partnerships, Uganda is positioning itself as a value-adding, export-led economy that delivers inclusive and sustainable growth.

“Together, through strategic cooperation, we can deliver sustainable, inclusive development — and unlock real trade opportunities for both our peoples.”

Key Takeaway

Uganda’s Tenfold Trade Growth Strategy and National Export Development Strategy (NEDS) form a unified blueprint for inclusive, export-led transformation. By empowering youth innovators, driving value addition, and deepening UK–Uganda trade ties, Uganda is building the foundation of a resilient, globally competitive economy.