In the subsequent mentoring session at Rizvan Holdings Ltd, management highlighted that; lack of Information about the accessible markets on the continent and links to the markets is among major impediments to export. #AFCTA #OneAfricanMarket

Following the discussion regarding the #AfCFTA opportunities, management at Rizvan Holdings Ltd noted that their export capability is constrained by limited finances to scale their business and the high cost of packaging materials for roasted coffee. #OneAfricanMarket

Ugandan exporters should research potential buyers before entering into any kind of contract or agreement with them. #AfCFTA Uganda UNDP Uganda Ministry of Trade Ug TradeMarkEastA Wamkele Mene GIZ Uganda East African Community

E-commerce is growing within the #AfCFTA and it provides an opportunity for SMEs to use digital skills to scale up their businesses. UNDP Uganda #AfCFTA Uganda TradeMarkEastA Wamkele Mene GIZ Uganda East African Community

On 30.03.22, H.E. Wamkele Mene met with the #Diaspora Business Leaders in the #UK. The conversation focused on opportunities for the #AfCFTA among the diaspora community, especially on the positive development potential to help mitigate the development challenges of Africa.

On 04.04.2022, the #AfCFTA Secretariat customs team set out on a mission to visit the East African Corridor #EAC. The main objective of the mission is to familiarize with the operation of the #EAC & to establish how trade facilitation instruments are being implemented. #customs

Today, 04.04.22, together with Amb. Solomon Rutega, Secretary General of the Inter-African Coffee Organisation (IACO), we signed an MoU between the #AfCFTA Secretariat and the Inter-African Coffee Organisation in Accra, Ghana.

During the on-site coaching at Lottie Food Industries (u) Ltd, the management highlighted limited access to credit particularly from commercial banks as the major impediment to exporting. Other constraints were high operating costs & lack of information about markets in Africa.

As part of business advisor support, Mr. Francis Kabuye, one of our lead trainers, explained how Lottie Food Industries (u) Ltd may enter African markets and determine which products are likely to perform best in those markets. #AfCFTA

As per the management of Lottie Food Industries (u) Ltd, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) represents a significant opportunity for Ugandan SMEs to grow their market share. UNDP Uganda #AfCFTA Uganda Ministry of Trade Ug

As Federation of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises continues to provide onsite business coaching, mentoring, and advisory support to export-ready SMEs, our lead trainers mentored staff from UGA SNACK LIMITED, a Ugandan SME that deals in various snacks and other foods.

While conducting business coaching at UGA Snack Limited, the management and staff were equipped with knowledge on how to identify potential clients and decide which products are likely to perform best in African markets. #AfCFTA

👏On-site business coaching at UGA Snack Limited!! The management has identified scarcity & high raw material costs as the primary impediments to exporting. Additionally, there were hurdles such as high electricity costs, economic pressures & inadequate access to African markets

The management of UGA Snack Limited expressed their gratitude to Federation of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises for raising awareness about #AfCFTA potential, which will aid Ugandan enterprises in their integration into continental markets. #OneAfricanMarket

Today, the #AfCFTA Secretariat Customs delegation led by demitta gyang visited the Uganda Revenue Authority Uganda Revenue Authority. One of the things that stood out was the Single Customs Territory system which helps to facilitate seemless flow of information across the #EAC corridor.

Through the #AfCFTA, the purchase of raw materials from other African countries will be simplified and this means that it will cost less to make certain goods and products. The #AfCFTA will also open opportunities to set up assembly firms in other African countries.

Incentive to increase manufacturing through demand in the African market will create more job opportunities. #OneAfricanMarket #AfCFTA UNDP Uganda #AfCFTA Uganda Ministry of Trade Ug East African Community

As the level of trade between African countries goes up, SMEs and traders will make more money and boost livelihoods. #AfCFTA #OneAfricanMarket UNDP Uganda #AfCFTA Uganda Ministry of Trade Ug

Indeed MSMEs can & should play important role in further development in #AU economies & must be strengthened in #AfCFTA implementation & further development European External Action Service - EEAS 🇪🇺 INTA Committee Press EU Trade 🇪🇺 European Economic and Social Committee The Left in the European Parliament Rosa Luxemburg Foundation Progressive Caucus EP

Now Government of Uganda should focus on enhancing access to cheap credit for SMEs to address the volatility of finances over time and fund their investments. Julius Mukunda - truth always counts! Federation of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises John Kakungulu Walugembe Private Sector Foundation Uganda