The Uganda Export Promotion Board is a government agency tasked with promoting and facilitating the export of Ugandan goods and services. The board, which was founded in 1983, has played a significant role in advancing Uganda’s export industry.
Over the years, the board has implemented various initiatives aimed at boosting exports, such as the National Export Strategy and the Development Fund. These initiatives have helped to increase the number of Ugandan exporters, diversify the range of products and services exported, and improve the quality of exports. As a result, Uganda’s exports have grown steadily, with key export sectors including coffee, tea, horticulture, and tourism.
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Mandates of UEPB
Its mandate includes market research, trading promotion, and capacity building for exporters. The board has outlined the following mandates for promoting exports from the country.
Market research
The first mandate is to identify potential markets and promote Ugandan products to these markets. This involves conducting market research and identifying the needs and preferences of consumers in different countries.
Capacity building for exporters
Another mandate is to provide support to Ugandan traders to help them meet international standards and regulations. This contains providing training and technical assistance to exporters, as well as facilitating access to finance and other resources. This helps traders to improve their capabilities and to comply with international trade regulations.
Export promotion
Finally, the Uganda Export Promotion Board is tasked with promoting the image of Ugandan products and services in international markets. This involves developing marketing campaigns and participating in trade fairs and exhibitions to showcase Ugandan products and services.
Financing services
UEPB provides export financing services to Ugandan exporters. This includes access to credit facilities and insurance. This helps exporters to mitigate the risks associated with exporting and to secure financing for their transactions.
Export information
Finally, UEPB provides information services to Ugandan exporters. This includes information on export procedures, documentation, and logistics. This helps traders to navigate the complexities of international trade and to ensure that their export transactions are conducted smoothly and efficiently.
Alliances with exporters
Many exporting businesses are cooperating with the Uganda Export Promotion Board (UEPB) to promote the country’s exports. One of the key industries that the UEPB is working with is the coffee industry. Uganda is a major producer of coffee, and the UEPB is working with coffee exporters to promote Ugandan coffee in international markets. The UEPB is also working with traders in other industries, such as textiles, handicrafts, and horticulture.
Other alliances
The Board has formed several major alliances to promote the country’s exports. One of the most important partnerships is with the East African Community, which includes Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda. This union aims to increase intra-regional trade and improve the competitiveness of East African products on the global market.
Another significant partnership is with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which was launched in January 2021. This coalition seeks to create a single market for goods and services across the African continent, intending to boost intra-African trade and enhance economic growth.
Additionally, the Uganda Export Promotion Board has established partnerships with various international organizations, such as the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). These partnerships provide technical assistance and capacity building to Ugandan exporters, helping them to improve their competitiveness and access new markets.
Basic goals of UEPB
The main goal of the board is to increase the country’s export earnings and to create employment opportunities for Ugandans.
As the authority on export promotion in Uganda, UEPB is committed to achieving its mandate by working closely with traders, government agencies, and other stakeholders. With its extensive network of partners and its deep understanding of the market, UEPB is well-positioned to help Ugandan exporters succeed in the global marketplace.
