Hortifresh Association Backs Stronger Trade Partnership for Exports

Uganda’s fresh fruits and vegetables sector is pushing for stronger government support as it looks to unlock bigger opportunities in the global export market. The move aligns with the goals of the Buy Uganda, Build Uganda (BUBU) Policy, which encourages increased production, value addition, and the promotion of Ugandan products in both local and international markets.

The Minister of Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives, Hon. Sanjay Tanna, recently met with leaders of the Hortifresh Association Uganda to discuss a long-term partnership aimed at making Uganda’s horticulture industry more competitive and increasing the country’s export earnings.

Hortifresh Association Uganda is a business membership organization that brings together more than 280 members and works with over 1,000 export farmers across the country.

During the meeting, the association presented its proposal for a structured five-year partnership with the Ministry of Trade to strengthen export competitiveness, improve compliance with international standards, expand market access, improve value chain coordination, and promote regional trade.

Speaking during the meeting, Hortifresh Association Uganda Chairperson Samuel Balagadde said Uganda produces more than 1.3 million metric tonnes of fruits and vegetables every year.

However, between 30 and 45 percent of this produce is lost after harvest, while less than 20 percent reaches premium export markets.

He explained that improving productivity, quality, and reliable year-round supply will require better planting materials, irrigation systems, and stronger aggregation of produce.

With more than 80 percent of producers being smallholder farmers, he stressed the need for better coordination across the entire value chain.

Balagadde also highlighted transport as one of the biggest barriers to export growth. Air freight accounts for between 40 and 60 percent of total export costs, making Ugandan products less competitive than those from neighboring countries.

He further pointed to challenges in packaging, certification, and compliance with international standards, noting that only a small share of Uganda’s produce currently meets the requirements of premium export markets.

To address these gaps, the association called for increased investment in post-harvest infrastructure such as packhouses, cold storage facilities, and refrigerated transport. It also requested support for exporters to participate in international trade fairs, access affordable financing, and benefit from stronger market intelligence on buyer requirements, pricing, and market opportunities.

The global fruit and vegetable market is valued at more than USD 250 billion each year, creating a significant opportunity for Uganda to expand its presence.

Hortifresh Association Uganda has set an ambitious goal of increasing the country’s fruit and vegetable exports to USD 2 billion by 2030.

Achieving this target, the association believes, will require closer collaboration between government, exporters, farmers, and other industry stakeholders.

This vision strongly supports the objectives of the BUBU Policy, which seeks to increase the production and consumption of Ugandan goods while strengthening the country’s export capacity.

A stronger horticulture sector means more value addition, more jobs, higher incomes for farmers, and increased foreign exchange earnings for Uganda.

Hon. Sanjay Tanna welcomed the proposal and reaffirmed the Ministry of Trade’s commitment to supporting the horticulture sector.

He said the ministry will work closely with the Uganda Free Zones and Export Promotion Authority to strengthen market intelligence, support exporters in participating in international trade fairs, negotiate fair trade opportunities, and engage with other partners to address the challenges facing fresh fruit and vegetable exporters.

The minister also encouraged exporters to invest more in value addition, especially for spices and other horticultural products. He noted that products such as essential oils, processed powders, and other finished goods can generate higher returns and improve Uganda’s competitiveness in international markets.

At the same time, he advised the association to focus its efforts on three or four strategic export crops, including Hass avocado, to build stronger value chains and achieve greater impact.

The discussions between the Ministry of Trade and Hortifresh Association of Uganda demonstrate how public and private sector partnerships can help deliver the goals of the Buy Uganda, Build Uganda (BUBU) Policy.

By supporting local producers, investing in value addition, improving quality standards, and expanding access to international markets, Uganda can build stronger industries that compete globally while creating opportunities at home.

With better infrastructure, stronger market access, improved standards, and targeted investment, Uganda has an opportunity to reduce post-harvest losses, create more jobs, increase farmers’ incomes, and grow its share of the global horticulture market.

As Uganda continues to promote locally produced goods under the BUBU agenda, the horticulture sector is well-positioned to become one of the country’s leading drivers of sustainable export growth and economic transformation.