Ugandan asked to register for Netherlands tour
Participants will tour poultry, dairy, cocoa and horticulture establishments before attending a matchmaking session later in the week.
Uganda’s Ambassador to Belgium and the Netherlands, Mirjam Blaak, explains that the mission is designed for entrepreneurs in livestock, dairy, seeds, horticulture and cocoa who are seeking new business opportunities. (Courtesy photo)
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From April 13 to 17, 2026, Ugandan agripreneurs will join a trade mission to the Netherlands focused on the agriculture and horticulture sectors.
The mission is organised by the Embassy of the Republic of Uganda in Brussels together with the Netherlands Africa Business Council (NABC).
Uganda’s Ambassador to Belgium and the Netherlands, Mirjam Blaak, explains that the mission is designed for entrepreneurs in livestock, dairy, seeds, horticulture and cocoa who are seeking new business opportunities.
She notes that the Netherlands offers unmatched expertise in these areas and that Ugandan companies stand to benefit from exposure to advanced systems.
“All those interested in joining this trade mission can register with the NABC for vetting,” she says.
Deadline for registration is March 6. The participants will pay US$300 each to cater for the conference expenses on top of catering for their flight tickets and hotel accommodation.
The mission will give Ugandan companies a chance to explore the Dutch market and deepen collaboration between the two countries. The Netherlands is a global leader in poultry, dairy and horticulture, courtesy of its efficient, technology‑driven agricultural systems. Participants will tour poultry, dairy, cocoa and horticulture establishments before attending a matchmaking session later in the week.
“Despite its small size, the Netherlands is one of the world’s top agricultural exporters, known for its expertise in animal genetics, feed, sustainable dairy production, greenhouse technologies and integrated supply chain management,” Blaak says.
She adds that Dutch agribusiness combines high productivity with innovation, strong research institutions and practical solutions that can be adapted to African contexts. For Ugandan companies, engaging with the Dutch ecosystem offers access to proven technologies, knowledge transfer and partnership models that support sustainable growth, value addition and competitiveness in regional and global markets.
By partnering with NABC, the Embassy aims to strengthen economic ties and advance broader economic and commercial diplomacy between the Netherlands and Uganda.
Uganda imports livestock feeds, livestock and machinery from the Netherlands while exporting horticulture products such as vegetables, flowers, coffee and cocoa. Those who wish to register and travel can contact the NABC.
Josephat Byaruhanga, the Senior Agriculture Policy Officer at the Embassy of the Netherlands says that the trade mission is a big opportunity for Ugandan farmers and agriprenueres who wish to visit the Netherlands.
“We have been taking farmers to the Netherlands under the best farmer's competition; however, this mission is wider because it takes more people across the agriculture value chains,” he says.
He explains that the intended trade mission delegates will be properly scrutinised and briefed so that they get maximum benefits from the mission.
“The delegates will be matched with specific firms in the Netherlands with whom they are doing similar ventures so that it is easy to do business,” he said.
He pointed out that the mission is open to all categories, including youth and women.
More missions and events
The trade mission coincides with the Amsterdam Coffee Festival, held from April 16 to 18. According to Blaak, Ugandan companies attending the mission can also visit the festival to connect with coffee industry stakeholders.
Later in the year, another major global event will take place in Brussels from June 25 to 27. The World of Coffee brings together traders, roasters, merchants, growers and related stakeholders. Uganda is expected to have a stand arranged by the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF). Blaak encourages Ugandans in the coffee value chain to attend, noting that last year’s event in Geneva attracted global attention.
In August, the Embassy will again offer Ugandan farmers a chance to tour the Netherlands. Blaak explains that the Ugandan Netherlands Business Convention (UNBC) will be organised in partnership with the Ugandan diaspora.
The convention will be preceded by two days of visits to Dutch agricultural companies. She advises entrepreneurs seeking to expand their global connections to register and take part in these events.