ITC launches €8m EU backed project to boost trade, jobs
The four-year programme, dubbed as Sustainable Business for Uganda (SB4U) 2.0, will run until 2028. It is being implemented by the ITC and builds on Uganda's goal of promoting sustainable and inclusive economic growth
EU delegation, ITC and MInistry of Trade officials pose for a photo after the launch of the programme at Mestil Hotel in Kampala. (Courtesy photo)
By Ali Twaha
Journalists @New Vision
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The International Trade Centre (ITC) has launched a €8m (about sh33b) project with backing from the European Union (EU) aimed at strengthening trade ties with Europe, boosting green jobs and supporting key sectors such as tourism, logistics and grains.
The four-year programme, dubbed as Sustainable Business for Uganda (SB4U) 2.0, will run until 2028. It is being implemented by the ITC and builds on Uganda's goal of promoting sustainable and inclusive economic growth, with a focus on digital innovation and a knowledge-driven economy.
Officials said the project is designed to help Uganda make better use of its tariff-free access to the EU market while also deepening trade with neighbouring countries through support for regional integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Speaking at the launch at Mestil Hotel in Kampala, trade minister Francis Mwebesa said the programme fits into Uganda’s wider development goals.
EU delegation official Sanne Willems speaking to partners during the event launch at Mestil Hotel in Kampala. (Coutesy Photo)
“We recognise that private sector development is a cornerstone of sustainable economic transformation. The SB4U project is therefore a strategic step among the many initiatives aligning with the Ministry's efforts to improve the trade and investment climate, and strengthen the capacity of Uganda’s businesses, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to achieve the $500b Ugandan economy,” he said.
EU delegation official Sanne Willems said the initiative is part of the EU’s broader strategy to deepen economic ties with Uganda under the SB4U Team Europe Initiative.
The project will also support policy reforms, promote sustainable business practices and help expand Uganda’s e-commerce ecosystem. ITC’s executive director, Pamela Coke-Hamilton, said the effort is expected to boost digital connectivity, job creation and export capacity among small businesses.
Work on the project began earlier this year with a six-month inception phase involving consultations with public and private sector stakeholders.