The Uganda National Export Strategy 2008-2012

The National Export Strategy (NES) is a sectoral strategy which focuses on how to revamp, develop and sustain the export growth in Uganda, over the medium term (2008-2012). Firstly, it provides guidance to ensure that the scarce resources available for export development are allocated to the top priorities – sectoral, cross-sectoral and institutional. Secondly, the national Export Strategy provides the framework for the public and private sectors to work within a partnership to achieve mutually agreed objectives for Uganda’s export development. And thirdly, NES emphasizes the contribution of the export sector to the overall economic and social development of the country in terms of; foreign exchange earnings, employment creation, poverty eradication, regional development, gender equality, inclusion of disadvantaged groups, and environmental sustainability.
Twelve sectors have been highlighted by the NES for the medium term. These include Coffee, Tea, Flowers, Fish, Cotton and Services as the main priorities which have been largely agreed upon under other national programs and studies. At sector level, the Strategies focus on the capacity diversification involving expanding product range; the capacity expansion involving enhancing productivity and value addition; the human capital development especially in the area of export skills and business development; the in-market business support involving trade fair management and distribution networks expansion schemes; the image and branding; the strengthening service delivery networks including efficient production organization schemes. At Cross-sectoral level the focus is on the infrastructure development; the development of supportive commercial laws; the quality and standards enhancements management programs; the export competence development; the provision of affordable trade finance; the market information management and customs documentation.
The NES does not only focus on the development and marketability of the priority sector products but also seeks to enhance their contribution to overall development goals as stipulated in the Prosperity for all Program (PFA) and wealth creation as stipulated in the National Trade Policy (NTP).
Annual review of progress will be done before the commencement of the national budget preparation process. A review conference will be organized by the Steering Committee supported by the CICS and the NES Secretariats. Monitoring and assessment of progress on specific initiatives will be achieved using a set of tools and mechanisms which the NES Secretariat will design and have approved by the steering committee within the first year of NES launch.