Uganda’s low presence in the export
markets has often been attributed to lack of capacity to
produce value added and high quality- market led products
and limited participation in marketing programmes.
In order to enhance the export of quality
products and compete favorably on the international markets,
there is need to boost the capacity of export sector, issues
like value addition, product development and adaptation,
quality management, marketing and promotion programmes are
imminently crucial and therefore ought to be addressed through
trade finance schemes.
Proinvest, a European Union(EU) –
African Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) partnership programme
through the commission has set aside Euros 110 millions
as investment assistance to African, Caribbean and pacific
countries for over a period of 7 years. It started 4 years
ago.
With a view to reducing poverty in ACP
countries and to improving the well- being of their citizens
through economic growth, job creation, and increased regional
and global integration of their economies, the programme
aims at promoting investments in any sector of the ACP member
countries that can attract foreign direct investment
The main objectives of the programme are:
(a) To promote regional inter enterprise
cooperation agreements in key sectors
(b) To promote sustainable and environmentally friendly
investments on a regional basis, in any sector of the economy.
(c) To increase competitiveness of the ACP economies.
This is achieved through a two thronged
approach. To strengthen ACP intermediary organisations and
business associations. To support companies in the ACP Countries.
Uganda is one of the 83 countries belonging
to the ACP having signed the Lome convention with the European
Union.
Projects including an investment and or
an inter-enterprise cooperation proposal, Partnership projects
with EU or third country enterprises, Investments with strong
export potential, oriented towards quality improvements
and international standards, Projects with an impact on
local/ regional/ international markets, price competitiveness,
product quality and employment, Projects abiding by the
codes of good practice(environmental impact, no child labour/
minor labour) are all eligible for funding
There are mainly 4 funded areas: Public
Private Dialogue, Business Development Services, Organisation
of Sector Partnership Initiatives and Technical Assistance
for company Projects.
Ugandan organisations such as National or private sector
organisations, professional Associations and financial institutions
with investment promotion are eligible applicants
In order to enhance information dissemination
of the Proinvest programme, Uganda Export Promotion Board
has been organising workshops on how to access proinvest
fund and this has served many who have already benefited
from the programme.
Uganda Tea Association, Fruits of the Nile
Ltd, Solar Energy for Africa Ltd, National Organic Agricultural
Movement of Uganda, Bee Natural Products, Flona Commodities,
Tannery & Leather improvement Uganda Ltd, Federation
of Uganda employers are some of the companies and Associations
that have already benefited
The availability of proinvest funding is
therefore an important opportunity that exporters/investors
should optimally utilize to enhance their businesses. In
scaling the difficulties of quality control, expansion through
product value addition and market penetration, it is imperative
that exporters respond positively and utilize this scheme
to address the above challenges.
We acknowledge that there are still a significant
number of companies that could potentially benefit from
the project once given sufficient information on the criteria
for application to access the grant. On this note, we encourage
enterprises to visit UEPB offices for further information
on the criteria for accessing the fund.
Contact the program coordinator: Mr. Moses Mabala
For further information online go to http://www.proinvest-eu.org/
