The World Bank, in partnership with the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU) and new developing partners, has started a consultation process to support manufacturers in Uganda in accessing foreign high-value markets.

According to the project officer, the project called Export Firm Support (EFS) is implemented by PSFU and funded by developing partners, including the governments of Sweden, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. The project officer added that the objective is to boost Ugandan firms exports of value-added manufactured products to regional and high-income markets.

“It will support potential and existing exporters to enter new export markets or expand their presence, and support will focus on upgrading firms, organisational and production capacities and their capabilities to deliver to the demand of foreign buyers,” the project officer said.

The officer noted that the EFS programme falls under the World Bank-administered Multi-Donor Trust Fund (MDTF) window, which mobilises donor contributions and invests in strategic areas that promote the effective implementation of Uganda’s National Development Plans.

The project officer added that the activities under MDTF’s Window III focus on promoting sustainable and inclusive economic growth and job creation, noting that Uganda requires higher numbers of new jobs to match the pace of labour force growth, where more than half a million Ugandans enter the job market every year.

“The EFS programmeme will run for four years, with the World Bank funding the larger Investment for Industrial Transformation and Employment Programmeme (INVITE). This will help exporters and potential exporters work with local and international consultants to identify export opportunities and meet consumer demand through specialised technical assistance,” the project officer added.

The EFS has provided an online platform where applications will be received from eligible firms, after which an assessment will take place, and the business consultants will develop an export development plan financed by both the eligible firm and the EFS program. The EFS will provide a reimbursement of between USD 4,000 and USD 10,000, depending on the exporting needs of the firm.