Uganda and Italy Launch New Business Hub to Boost Manufacturing and Trade

Uganda and Italy have officially established a new business hub designed to bridge the gap between local enterprises and Italian investors, industrial technology, and global markets. The partnership seeks to strengthen local manufacturing, drive value addition, and help Ugandan businesses overcome hurdles related to modern technology and international standards.

Speaking at the Kampala Serena Hotel during a coordination meeting, Trade Minister Sanjay Tanna emphasized that the collaboration must extend beyond merely importing machinery and exporting raw commodities. He noted that Uganda aims to build robust domestic manufacturing capacity and retain more value from agricultural products like coffee.

“Our enterprises need modern machinery, modern processors, and modern skills,” Mr. Tanna stated, highlighting the goal of having Italian technology installed in Ugandan factories and maintained by local technicians. The Uganda Business Hub is part of a United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) project backed by a €1.7 million contribution from the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

Italian Ambassador to Uganda Mauro Massoni stated that the hub will serve as a structured channel for Ugandan businesses to engage with Italian institutions and economic expertise. Meanwhile, UNIDO ITPO Italy Deputy Head Andrea Carapellese pointed out that the initiative directly addresses practical challenges such as contract negotiations, compliance, and access to finance.

Read the original story on the Daily Monitor.