Uganda to host inaugural Organic and Nature Expo at 5th Organic Week to anchor Continental Trade

KAMPALA, UGANDA – Uganda is set to lead the continent’s growing organic and regenerative agriculture movement as it hosts Africa’s first-ever Organic and Nature Expo (ONE). The landmark event will take place from 4–7 November 2026 at Hotel Africana in Kampala, running alongside the 5th National Organic Week (NOW).

The announcement was made during a press conference on Friday, 16 October 2026, at the Sarovar Hotel in Makerere, Kampala, hosted by the National Organic Agricultural Movement of Uganda (NOGAMU) in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), the African Organic Network (AfrONet), Makerere University among others 

Held under the theme “Organic and Regenerative Innovations: Africa’s Competitive Edge,” the week-long gathering will bring together over 2,000 delegates, including farmers, agribusiness leaders, investors, policymakers, development partners, the private sector, and civil society organizations (CSOs) from across Africa and beyond.

Speaking at the press conference, NOGAMU Chief Executive Officer Chariton Namuwoza emphasized that the event showcases Africa’s readiness to expand intra-African and global organic trade.

“Africa needs to demonstrate our capabilities along the path of trade, especially organic trade. The week brings together key players to interact, address industry value chain policies, and measure our milestone achievements since the national organic policy was approved,” he said.

He said that media engagement was to "officially launch this year’s National Organic Week, which will also feature, for the first time in the history of our sector, Africa’s first ever organic and nature export. The idea of the Organic and Nature Expo has been in the works for several years"

Adding that "Last year, stakeholders from across Africa gathered at Hotel Africana for a pilot edition, helping bring this vision to life and laying the foundation for an even bigger event"

Mr. Ramathan Nkutu from Makerere University said that there is need to enhance linkages between farmers and innovations in the organic industry.

He mention one of the innovation called “Kebera” where consumers can scan food stuffs before consuming them to ensure that its organic and not chemical contaminated 

Unveiling the 2021–2025 Organic Statistics Report

As part of the press briefing, NOGAMU—alongside research partners Makerere University and Africa Development Associates—released the updated Organic Statistics (2021–2025), highlighting significant growth in Uganda’s organic sector compared to baseline figures from 2018

Despite the remarkable surge in export values (reaching $225.7 million) and certified farming acreage, NOGAMU noted that addressing remaining value-chain gaps and enacting a dedicated legal framework for organic agriculture are critical to cementing Uganda’s continental leadership.

Inside the Report:  

The number of certified organic farmers surged by 251.8%, jumping from 211,584 to 744,288. The land dedicated to organic farming nearly doubled (+91.1%), expanding to 505,308 hectares.

The total value of organic exports grew by 83.04%, rising from $123.3 million to $225.7 million. Uganda also expanded its global reach by 54.5%, now exporting to 34 countries compared to 22 in 2018.

 The numbers of support entities increased across the board, with organic processors growing to 52, certifying bodies increasing to 6, and registered input dealers reaching 15 among others.