Uganda finalizes avocado export roadmap

Key stakeholders from both the public and private sectors gathered in Kampala to validate Uganda’s national avocado sector roadmap and action plan for the upcoming three years. This event marks the culmination of collaborative efforts spearheaded by the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), with assistance from the International Trade Centre (ITC) under the EU-funded EU-East African Community (EAC) Market Access Upgrade Programme (MARKUP II).

Following the initial consultative meeting in November 2024, two informal meetings in February and March 2025 were held to refine the roadmap. The platform’s formalization under MAAIF’s leadership demonstrates a public-private commitment to transforming Uganda into a competitive avocado exporter. Steps to operationalize the platform include preparing a draft secretariat budget and exploring funding opportunities. A public-private partnership model is planned, with MAAIF hosting the platform and private sector partners supporting the secretariat. An Expression of Interest for the secretariat has been shared with industry associations and is nearing finalization.

MAAIF will officially activate the platform and hold its first formal meeting to elect a Chair, finalize the work plan, and set key performance indicators. The Uganda Avocado Roadmap outlines several actions: improved Hass seedling distribution at preferential rates, promotion of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) certification through avocado associations, and the establishment of a hub-and-spoke model with commercial farmers and cooperatives to serve as input supply, aggregation, and learning centers. Additionally, the creation of an avocado export consortium for collective international representation and standards compliance is planned, alongside investment in affordable packaging solutions and a cold chain for fresh exports. There is also a possibility of developing an avocado oil refinery and valorizing waste such as seed husks and pulp residue into animal feed.

The validated roadmap offers a clear direction for the sector, aiming to increase avocado exports, enhance farmer livelihoods, and contribute to agro-industrial transformation.

EU-EAC MARKUP II, funded by the European Union, aims to enhance economic development in the EAC through sustainable intra-African and EU-Africa trade. Focusing on improving livelihoods, employment, and export competitiveness for MSMEs, the programme supports the development of key export-oriented value chains and provides institutional support in the six MARKUP II EAC recipient partner countries. EU-EAC MARKUP II promotes exports and investment by addressing trade barriers, value addition, quality compliance, trade facilitation, and technology transfer.

EU-EAC MARKUP II is implemented by the International Trade Centre in collaboration with the EAC Secretariat and national partners in the recipient countries.

Source: International Trade Centre

Frontpage photo: © Mariia Loginova | Dreamstime

Publication date:

Thu 1 May 2025

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