Uganda invites export firms to apply for funding boosting global market access

17 April 2026, 10:35 am

By Byamukama Alozious

The Government of Uganda has opened applications for funding under the Investment for Industrial Transformation and Employment (INVITE) Project, a major initiative aimed at strengthening the country’s export sector and positioning local businesses to compete globally.

Implemented by the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development with support from international partners, the project focuses on promoting private sector investment, industrial growth, and job creation. Under its Export Firm Support (EFS) component, the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU) is calling on eligible enterprises to apply for grant funding to expand their export potential.

The EFS program targets firms dealing in value-added manufactured goods and high-value commodities, supporting efforts to enter new international markets or scale existing export operations. Uganda’s export performance has grown significantly over the past three decades, rising by more than 4,300 percent to approximately $12.64 billion in 2023. This growth has been driven largely by commodities such as coffee, which generated about $1.8 billion, and gold, which accounted for roughly $3.2 billion.

Successful applicants will receive funding covering up to 80 percent of eligible costs, capped at $40,000 per firm. The support will facilitate activities such as market research, product design and adaptation, branding and packaging, production improvements, certification, and participation in international trade fairs.

According to Daniel Kisekka from manager EFS program, the initiative is also designed to strengthen export support services, particularly for firms dealing in high-value commodities. He noted that in the first call, about 150 firms were supported, followed by 160 in the second round. In the current call, up to 900 firms are being targeted for support.

Kisekka acknowledged that many businesses failed to qualify in previous calls due to strict eligibility criteria but emphasised that key sectors such as coffee, horticulture, and fisheries remain a priority under the program.

The call is open to registered Ugandan businesses engaged in manufacturing, semi-manufacturing, and exporting. Eligible firms must have been in operation for at least one year, employ a minimum of two people, and demonstrate clear potential to expand their export capacity. Companies involved in alcohol, tobacco, gambling, and weapons are excluded, as the initiative is focused on inclusive and sustainable private sector growth.

Industry players have welcomed the funding opportunity but continue to highlight challenges limiting export growth. Agnes Kitumba, CEO of Koko Agric and Farm Ltd, said that while Ugandan products are competitive internationally, exporters still face constraints such as limited access to financing and high production costs driven by inflation and taxation.

Meanwhile, success stories such as Equator Chocolate illustrate the potential of local enterprises to grow into regional exporters. Stakeholders say initiatives like INVITE could enable more Ugandan businesses to scale up, add value to their products, and strengthen the country’s position in global markets.

Applications are being submitted online through the INVITE platform and the porccess oponed on April 1 and will end on April 30, 2026. Officials have cautioned that any form of non-compliance, fraud, or misrepresentation will lead to automatic disqualification. The project also emphasises inclusivity, non-discrimination, and strict adherence to environmental and social standards in all supported activities.