New Training Programme Launched to Boost Agribusiness Support Services in Uganda

The Agri-Business Development Services Ecosystem Enhancement Project (ABEEP), a multi-stakeholder initiative aimed at transforming Uganda’s agricultural sector, has officially launched its national training programme for Ag-BDS providers.

The launch has marked a key milestone in efforts to professionalize and strengthen agribusiness support systems across the country.

The project is being implemented by a consortium comprising the African Management Institute (AMI), the Agribusiness Market Ecosystem Alliance (AMEA), and the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU), with financial support from the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA).

It also aligns with national development priorities under Uganda’s Third and Fourth National Development Plans.

The training programme aims to address long-standing gaps in Uganda’s agricultural landscape by enhancing the capacity of Ag-BDS providers to offer quality, market-driven, and context-specific support to agribusinesses, particularly Agri-MSMEs.

Agriculture accounts for over 70% of Uganda’s employment and contributes 24% to GDP, but small and medium-sized enterprises in the sector continue to face hurdles in accessing finance, markets, and technical expertise.

“We are not the ones to transform food systems—we are catalytic,” said AGRA Country Director for Uganda, David Wozemba. “Transformation happens when every actor in the ecosystem understands their role, aligns their value, and responds to real gaps.”

The programme will provide intensive, four-month training to 60 Ag-BDS providers, with a focus on improving enterprise access to markets, finance, digital tools, and the soon-to-be-gazetted National BDS Standards.

“AMI’s blended learning model combines practical tools with hands-on support,” said Alvin Katto, AMI Uganda Country Manager. “We are preparing BDS providers to help agribusinesses not just survive, but grow and compete.”

Speaking on the broader systemic challenges, Harrison Kaziro, AMEA’s Regional Network Facilitator for Uganda, emphasized the need for lasting solutions.

“We must stop recycling short-term projects and build professional systems that outlive donor funding. This is not just a project—it’s a movement.”

Ronald Kyagulanyi, Coordinator and Economic Analyst at PSFU, stressed that business service providers must approach their work with entrepreneurial leadership.

“We have to first grow ourselves—our leadership, our capacity—before we can grow others. This is about transformation, not just compliance.”

Representing government, Johnson Abitekaniza, Assistant Commissioner for Training and Business Development at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, challenged providers to focus on practical, results-based support.

“We must move beyond motivational talk. Business Development Services must be professional, measurable, and locally relevant. Otherwise, we’re just creating workshops with no impact.”

The ABEEP training launch comes at a critical time. The national budget for FY 2025/26 has committed significant investment toward agriculture and agro-industrialization, with the government targeting an 8% growth rate for the sector.

With the involvement of key players—AMI with its track record in practical SME training, AMEA’s expertise in professionalizing BDS and farmer organizations, PSFU’s role in private sector coordination, and AGRA’s catalytic support—the programme aims to create a new generation of certified, empowered BDS providers who can drive inclusive, sustainable agribusiness growth in Uganda.