Expo in Kyenjojo to bridge gap between youth entrepreneurs and markets

________________

Although the term youth entrepreneurship sounds appealing and respectable, it takes a lot of work for young people to truly benefit from it.

Many youths start small, with modest innovations and hopes of growing them into larger ventures. However, challenges such as limited capital, lack of markets and other constraints often derail the growth of their businesses.

To help address some of these challenges, youth entrepreneurs from western Uganda are set to meet potential buyers, as well as local and large-scale distributors, at the forthcoming Ask Me Expo.

The expo, scheduled for September 30, 2025, and organised by the Agro Tourism Association of Uganda, aims to promote sustainable agricultural practices through knowledge sharing, networking and showcasing innovations that generate income for the youth. This was revealed by Joseph Taremwa, the chief executive officer of the Agro Tourism Association of Uganda.

Taremwa explained that Uganda has one of the youngest populations in the world, with 60% of people below the age of 18 and 78% below 30 years. He added that more effort is needed to fully harness this demographic dividend.

“Youth account for 60% of the unemployed, while three-quarters of working youth are in vulnerable employment, unable to negotiate their wages, and those who have started some micro businesses have failed,” Taremwa noted.

He further observed that although the national economy heavily relies on agriculture, which employs about 65% of the working population, the young men and women in the sector continue to face serious challenges.

Key challenges facing young entrepreneurs, according to Taremwa, include the inability to own or access land, lack of affordable financing for agribusiness start-ups, inadequate equipment, limited access to market information, both input and output markets, and lack of technical knowledge.

“Working with stakeholders, we are organising this 2nd Agro-Tourism Sustainable Knowledge and Markets Expo termed as (ASK-ME Expo) that will convene stakeholders from diverse sectors, to collaborate with the youth as we foster economic growth, environmental stewardship, and social equity,” he added.

He explained that the activities at the expo align directly with Uganda's Vision 2040, which envisions a transformed and prosperous Uganda.

The expo is being organised under the theme “Advancing Youth Entrepreneurship and Innovations for Sustainable Markets.”

Activities at the expo

During the expo, there will be a youth pitching session where young mothers and other youth will present their business ideas before a panel of judges and potential investors. Winners will receive cash prizes to support their enterprises.

The programme will also include practical learning and exchange sessions in which young mothers and youth entrepreneurs will share experiences, best practices, challenges, and solutions. Discussions will explore opportunities to enhance market infrastructure, product traceability and wider market access.