Women in business advised to meet local demand before pursuing exports

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Women in business seeking to penetrate regional and global markets have been advised to first satisfy the requirements and volumes of the domestic market. Some of the key considerations for women-led businesses include product quality, production volumes and adherence to standards, among others.

The call was made by Rosemary Mutyabule, a director at Enterprise Uganda, during a breakfast meeting with Business Network International (BNI) members at the Enterprise Uganda offices in Butabika on March 30, 2026.

“Before going international, first do the business very well. And so we encourage businesses to first address issues of quality, but also go beyond network and consider collaborations for those that cannot satisfy the volume,” Mutyabule said.

To further facilitate international trade, Mutyabule urged the business community to take advantage of government initiatives and programmes such as the Export Accelerator Programme under Enterprise Uganda, which brings together key players including the Uganda Revenue Authority, Uganda National Bureau of Standards and export financiers.

“You may be a good business person, but your challenge is the logistics, so the platform has all these players together to support those that are export-ready. So, understand the local market before you can go for export,” she added.

At the same meeting, Diana Ninsiima Kibuka, the national director for BNI Uganda, revealed that the two organisations have partnered to further impart business skills among members to boost the growth of their businesses.

This partnership with Enterprise Uganda will enable members to access industry leaders through training, mentorship and referrals to established brands nurtured through Enterprise Uganda.