Vision Group launches 2026 Harvest Money Expo: Feb 27-Mar 1

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The Harvest Money Expo, organised by multimedia company Vision Group, is marking its 10th anniversary this year as it returns for yet another edition at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds in Uganda's capital Kampala.

Recognised as the country's biggest agricultural exhibition, this year's expo will take place on February 27 to March 1.

Launched in 2016, this annual event has grown into Uganda’s premier agribusiness showcase, connecting farmers, innovators, financiers, policymakers and development partners, while promoting modern, profitable and sustainable agriculture.

Vision Group, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, officially launched the 10th edition on Tuesday (February 3) at its Industrial Area-based head offices, with renewed commitments from long-term partners, led by the Netherlands Embassy.

Netherlands renews support until 2029

Speaking at the launch, Bouwe-Jan Smeding, the Deputy Head of Mission at the Netherlands Embassy, said The Netherlands is proud to sponsor "this milestone edition".

Bouwe-Jan Smeding, the Deputy Head of Mission at the Netherlands Embassy. (Credit: Mpalanyi Ssentongo)

He revealed that the embassy has contributed 100 million Ugandan shillings annually to each of the 10 editions and committed to continued financial support until December 2029.

According to Smeding, the expo has attracted multiple Dutch trade missions to Uganda, enabling Dutch companies to build partnerships and invest across the agricultural value chain.

“This year’s theme — 'Growth, Sustainability and Cooperation' — is central to our agricultural engagement in Uganda,” he said.

Through the Dutch Pavilion, the embassy will showcase how Dutch development cooperation, trade and investment are supporting sustainable agricultural growth in Uganda.

'Part of our lives'

Vision Group CEO Don Wanyama described the 10-year milestone of the expo as a rare achievement in the region.

Vision Group CEO Don Wanyama. (Credit: Mpalanyi Ssentongo)

“Many initiatives don’t survive beyond their first or second year. Reaching 10 years shows maturity and resilience."

Wanyama credited the success of the expo to strong partnerships that sustained it even during the COVID-19 lockdown period. 

“With 10 years of the Harvest Money Expo, it has become part of our lives. At the same time, Vision Group is celebrating 40 years of existence."

The CEO cited Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBoS) data showing that about 68% of Ugandans are engaged in agriculture, contributing roughly 25% of Uganda’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

“Agriculture remains the backbone of Uganda’s economy, and this expo directly supports that reality."

Why it matters

Vision Group Editor-in-Chief, Barbara Kaija, said the Harvest Money initiative was born out of the need to go beyond reporting agriculture to actively supporting its transformation.

“The media develops according to the needs of the country. Uganda is an agricultural country, so it was natural for us to invest in this direction."

Kaija urged the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries to ensure extension workers attend the expo to learn about new technologies and research.

“There is a lot here for extension workers to gain,” she said, while calling for stronger government, corporate and development partner support.

Kaija also commended Vision Group’s board and management for investing in specialised journalists, platforms and space to promote agriculture.