EU hails Uganda's Green development strategy

PIC: Participants at the SEED symposium pose for a picture.

NATIONAL | SEED SYMPOSIUM

The European Union (EU) has voiced support for the Uganda Green Growth Development strategy, which is still in draft form.

Speaking during the SEED East Africa Symposium, where six eco-inclusive enterprises from Uganda and Kenya were honored, Cedri Merel, the head of Co-operation of the EU delegation to Uganda, hailed the strategy for striking a balance between economic development and environmental conservation.

According to a statement from the National Planning Authority, the strategy aims at reducing carbon emissions, wealth creation and social inclusiveness, creation and promotion of green jobs and food and nutritional security.

"We will support the soon-to-be launched Uganda Green development strategy, which is still in draft form but aims at sustainable agriculture and energy production. The key for us is to finance projects that are more inclusive," Merel said at the EU funded SWITCH Africa Green (SAG) -SEED Awards at Sheraton Hotel in Kampala.

The SEED East Africa Symposium 2017 brought together about 78 enterprises, policy makers, business development service providers, and government leaders from Uganda and Kenya in interactive discussions to ensure that critical needs such as tailored business support, and financing are prepared for this sector's growth.

The symposium was accompanied by an enterprise solutions exhibition that showcased innovative, local entrepreneurial approaches to sustainable development challenges in the region.

Dr. Joshua Mutambi, the trade ministry's commissioner for micro small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), noted that the few firms that were awarded for eco-inclusive practices will inspire many firms across the East African region.

He noted that the government, through the EU funded SWITCH Africa Green (SAG) project, is supporting local eco-entrepreneurs to create businesses that increase resource efficiency and decrease pollution through sustainable consumption and production patterns - to generate economic growth, create decent jobs and reduce poverty.

"Environmentally friendly projects are vital to build the national economy and to ensure sustainable development. As government, we support MSMEs, especially those that are in manufacturing to adopt eco-entrepreneurship practices," Mutambi said.