Inaugural China-Uganda youth project beneficiaries launch impact ventures

Launched in August 2024, the project trained 15 young rural entrepreneurs from the Busoga region, under the Village Agriculture Model (VAM) and the Young Rural Entrepreneurs initiatives championed by the Busoga Consortium for Development (BCD) in collaboration with China Agricultural University (CAU).

Prof. Xu Jin (2nd left) the project coordinator from China Agriculture University and Prof. Li Xiaoyun (Middle), the Lead Professor at China Agriculture University in a group photograph with members of Busoga Consortium for Development and youth entrepreneurs at the Office of the President in Kampala recently. (Courtesy Photo)
By Donald Kiirya
Journalists @New Vision
#China #Uganda #Youth

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The training of the first cohort of the China-Uganda Younger Entrepreneurs project has been officially concluded, marking the end of a one-year intensive training initiative that empowered young Ugandan entrepreneurs with skills in rural transformation and agribusiness.

Launched in August 2024, the project trained 15 young rural entrepreneurs from the Busoga region, under the Village Agriculture Model (VAM) and the Young Rural Entrepreneurs initiatives championed by the Busoga Consortium for Development (BCD) in collaboration with China Agricultural University (CAU).

The selected participants received full scholarships to train in different entrepreneurial skills at China Agriculture University, with support from Tencent Holdings Ltd.

The training focused on rural innovation, agro-business development, and community digital transformation.

Upon returning to Uganda, the entrepreneurs launched various ventures, ranging from commercial farms and production centres to media platforms promoting digital literacy in rural communities.

During a recent site visit, Prof. Xu Jin, the project co-ordinator from China Agriculture University, lauded the youth for effectively implementing what they learned.

She also commended BCD for their hands-on support and oversight of the initiative.

At the closing event held at the Office of the President, Xiaoyun, the lead professor at China Agriculture University, officially closed the one-year programme.

He invited BCD director general Anthony Mula to identify a fresh group of youth to take part in the next cohort, beginning soon.

“We are proud of what has been achieved. These young entrepreneurs are now champions of change in their communities—let this programme continue growing,” Xiaoyun said.

Xiaoyun further pledged continued mentorship and urged the young entrepreneurs to stay connected with their supervisors for sustainability.

Mula expressed gratitude to the Chinese partners, stating that the young entrepreneurs are already seeing results, with more projects being rolled out across Busoga.

“We deeply appreciate China Agriculture University for not closing this door and we look forward to continued collaboration,” said Mula.

One of the young entrepreneurs, Sarah Nabirye, shared her success story. After training in China, she acquired three acres of land where she is now growing soybeans and chili, with plans to expand next year.

Samuel Mwesigwa, the media manager at Busoga Consortium and manager of current affairs at Baba TV, showcased his community digital transformation initiative. He founded Ampa Media Company, now providing digital media training to rural communities.

Also present were Busoga Kingdom agriculture minister Sam Nkenga and Isaac Imaka, the head of Gabula Royal Foundation and entrepreneur investing in chili and soybean farming.

The graduands will now participate in a grand international event in Zanzibar next week, organised by China Agriculture University, Tencent Holdings Ltd, BCD, and partners in Tanzania, where they will be officially recognized.