16th NCF: DST Patrick Ocailap calls upon exporters to take advantage of the regional markets for processed agro products.

The Ministry of Finance, Planning and National Development held its 16th National Competitiveness Forum at the Golf Course Hotel in Kampala, focusing on leveraging regional opportunities to enhance Uganda’s food processing and animal feed sectors. 

The 16th forum was held under the theme: “Leveraging regional opportunities to grow food and animal feeds sectors in Uganda”

The Deputy Secretary to the Treasury, Mr. Patrick Ocailap delivered a keynote address on the regional opportunities for Uganda's Agro-processed exports.

Addressing the participants, Patrick Ocailap, underscored the importance of taking advantage of opportunities in regional markets for the export of processed foods.

Ocailap said there is need to establish a competitive animal feeds industry to take advantage of the locally available raw materials such as maize, soybeans, sunflower, cottonseed, cassava, sweet potatoes and fish meal to produce high quality and affordable compounded animal feed.

“The rising incomes, rapid urbanization, and a growing middle class across Africa are driving soaring demand for processed foods and animal proteins. By 2040, demand for processed foods is projected to increase sevenfold” he said

He noted that Uganda already exports 58% of its products to Africa, with over half of animal feeds destined for regional markets.

Ocailap said the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) further expands this opportunity, providing access to 1.4 billion people with a combined GDP of over USD 3 trillion.

The Acting PSST said already, Government through the Parish Development Model (PDM) has disbursed 3.209 trillion as of October 2025 to 3.251 million beneficiaries.

He said by end of FY 2024/25, shs 350.3 billion was allocated to piggery, shs. 334.2 billion to coffee, shs. 325.8 billion to poultry, shs. 289 billion to goats, shs. 247.9 billion to maize, shs.135 billion to beef cattle, shs. 154.4 billion to banana production and shs. 134 billion to cassava production, among others.

“This continues to boost production, creating backward linkages with small holder farmers and creating opportunities for value addition,” said Ocailap.

 Group photo