In brief
Uganda is using China’s biannual Canton Fair as a platform to encourage local value‑adding activities for its coffee, shea butter and craft products. The government hopes that processing and packaging in Uganda will keep more export earnings in the country, create jobs and increase farmers’ incomes. Five coffee firms, two shea butter producers and three craft businesses represented Uganda at the fair.
Uganda said it wants to use China’s Canton Fair to increase local value addition for its agricultural and other products.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the government explained that the fair was more than an exhibition, but a chance to convert access to the Chinese market into increased processing and packaging at home.
Uganda had ten companies on display, including five coffee firms, two shea butter producers and three craft businesses.
The goal is to keep a larger share of export earnings within Uganda, opening more jobs and boosting incomes for farmers and cooperatives.
Judyth Nsababera, head of Uganda’s Consulate in Guangzhou, said the country was seeking to retain more value domestically rather than exporting raw materials and importing finished products.
Our participation was more than exhibiting products. It was about value addition, value retention, and prosperity along the value chain, from farmer to buyer.
Nsababera’s comment highlights Uganda’s strategy of moving up the value chain with improved processing and packaging skills, keeping more profit on Ugandan soil.
