Uganda Positions Pan-African Brands as Africa’s Food Demand Surges

The Commissioner for Economic Development Policy and Research, Joseph Enyimu, today chaired the Economic and Commercial Diplomacy (ECD) Strategy Mid-Year Review for FY 2026/27 in Mombasa under the theme: “ECD in Africa – Positioning Uganda’s Pan-African Brands as Continental Leaders.”

Enyimu underscored the urgency of aligning Uganda’s trade and production strategy with Africa’s rapidly expanding urban markets.

He noted that as African cities grow, so does demand for proteins, grains and edible oils, presenting Uganda with a strategic opening to consolidate its position as a continental supplier.

He said Uganda must move decisively to scale production, attract targeted investment, build competitive Pan-African brands and develop sector-specific dominance strategies to secure market leadership.

Despite possessing vast arable land, Africa continues to grapple with a food deficit, he observed, describing the gap as both a structural challenge and a commercial opportunity. He highlighted food security, oil markets, dairy, pharmaceuticals, local manufacturing, strategic infrastructure and private sector mobilisation as priority areas requiring coordinated intervention.

“Growth will not happen by default,” Enyimu said. “It demands deliberate strategy, disciplined execution and sustained focus.”