Hundreds of innovators/entrepreneurs graced the Uganda-EU Business Insights 2025 held on Thursday, February 13 at Mestil Hotel, Kampala.
The event, organized by the European Union (EU) Delegation to Uganda in partnership with the Government of Uganda and Private Sector Foundation Uganda, also brought together industry leaders, and policymakers, to explore innovative solutions in Agricultural Technology and Sustainable Mining.
The day-long event that had I&M Bank Uganda as a partner offered business-to-business, business-to-investor, and business-to-government matchmaking platform, connecting European investors with Uganda’s agriculture and mining innovators and entrepreneurs.
The activities included panel discussions addressing key challenges and exploring innovative solutions in AgTech and Mining, exhibitions showcasing business solutions and innovations, matchmaking sessions connecting EU investors with Ugandan businesses and policymakers, and a deals room where innovators pitched investment-ready projects.
H.E. Jan Sadek, the Head of the EU Delegation to Uganda presided over the event emphasizing the transformative power of Uganda-EU economic partnership. He noted that this year’s event was built on the success of the 2024 event which facilitated over 1,600 business connections, generating over €1 million in trial orders.
“There’s huge potential in Uganda-EU trade relations. By bringing together entrepreneurs, innovators, and investors, we’re setting the stage for long-term growth and creating opportunities that will benefit both our regions for years to come,” H.E. Sadek said.
“The EU is deeply invested in Uganda’s economic development, supporting initiatives in Agriculture Technology, sustainable mining, and digital platforms for agriculture. The rehabilitation of the Kira hydropower project is just one example of our long-term commitment to Uganda’s development,” he added.
Minister of Finance Hon. Matia Kasaija, Minister of Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives Hon. Francis Mwebesa, Minister of State for Minerals in the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development Hon. Phiona Nyamutoro, and Chairman of PSFU Humphrey Nzeyi were among the senior officials present at the event.
In his address, Hon. Kasaija highlighted that agriculture is one of the key sectors capable of absorbing people from all age groups, noting that recently, 70% of the workforce is employed in the agriculture sector.
“Agriculture needs more innovative practices in order for its potential to be maximized. The sector has contributed significantly to Uganda’s trade balance with the EU with agricultural exports, particularly coffee, fish, flowers, and cocoa beans, accounting for 96.8% of total exports,” Kasaija stated.
Hon. Kasaija also emphasized that agricultural technology and sustainable mining are timely and align with the government’s priorities for the next 15 years, aiming to ensure access to the right technology for value addition in both agriculture and mining.
Hon. Mwebesa noted that Uganda’s agricultural products like coffee, fish, and flowers act as ambassadors of Ugandan excellence in the European market. And in return, the EU’s machinery and pharmaceuticals are like the backbone supporting the local industrial leap forward.
“EU has been a key trading partner for Uganda. Over the years, Uganda has exported agricultural and natural products to the EU, while importing machinery, pharmaceuticals, and goods needed for industrial growth. In 2022, trade between Uganda and the EU reached EUR 1.5 billion, with Uganda exporting EUR 800 million and importing €700 million. This positive trade balance highlights the strong and important partnership between Uganda and the EU,” Hon. Mwebesa noted.
Hon. Nyamutoro noted that building platforms for promotion of sustainable mining begins with initiation of responsibility right from the exploration to production.
“As we gear more towards attaining substantive quantification of our mineral resources, it’s only right that consistency in value addition and continued beneficiation is emphasised,” she said.
PSFU’s Nzeyi revealed that they are focusing on boosting productivity, improving market access, enhancing financial inclusion across both sectors, and promoting value addition. He explained that these efforts will help drive sustainable growth, empower local businesses, and ultimately contribute to economic development.
I&M Bank CEO, Robin Bairstow, highlighted that platforms like this offer a valuable opportunity to connect innovative minds with the right financial backing, fostering growth and development among entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers.
“At I&M Bank, we recognize the critical role that access to capital and sustainable financial solutions plays in unlocking the full potential of Uganda’s agriculture and mining sectors. By facilitating partnerships and providing the necessary financial support, we aim to empower entrepreneurs to scale their innovations and contribute to the country’s economic growth,” Bairstow stated.
Discussions at the event also highlighted the role of digital platforms in supporting farmers and promoting sustainable mining practices, areas where European expertise can play a key role.
