The Agreement for the project “Strengthening the Private Sector through Capacity Building and International Partnerships in Uganda” was officially signed between the Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives and the UNIDO Representative in Uganda. The initiative is funded by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) through the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), with a contribution of €1.7 million, and is implemented by UNIDO ITPO.
The main objective of the initiative is to strengthen the local private sector in Uganda through business-oriented services and capacity-building for entrepreneurs, leveraging international partnerships. The project aims to ensure gender equality (40–60%) among beneficiaries, so that women and men can participate equally in the planned activities. Particular attention will be given to the involvement of women entrepreneurs and female workers in the informal sector, especially in sectors where women represent the majority of the workforce.
The agreement was signed by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, Hon. Francis Mwebesa, who emphasized in his remarks: “It is essential that the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives be actively involved as a key stakeholder in this project, to ensure that all initiatives are fully aligned with the priorities and strategies of the Government of Uganda. I look forward to the next steps in supporting and strengthening the private sector, which remains a cornerstone for sustainable growth and job creation in our country.”
The Ambassador of Italy to Uganda, H.E. Mauro Massoni, highlighted: “With the opening of the AICS office in Kampala, a new phase of Italian cooperation in Uganda begins—one that strengthens the partnership between our countries and places strong emphasis on the development of youth and women’s entrepreneurship. This country has enormous potential, and it is our duty to help you unlock it.”
Ms. Diana Battaggia, Director of UNIDO ITPO Italy, stated: “This project was designed to be inclusive and forward-looking, fully aligned with the priorities of the Mattei Plan and with Uganda’s National Development Agenda. We are confident that the responsibility we assume today will translate into tangible results for Ugandan institutions, business associations, and the private sector.”
The project is fully consistent with the priorities of the Government of Uganda, which is committed to promoting the country’s structural transformation through industrialization, agricultural modernization, private sector development, skills enhancement, export promotion, and improved service delivery, as outlined in Uganda Vision 2040 and the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV).
