The Agricultural Business Initiative (aBi) has launched two innovative programs worth Ushs66.8 billion to revolutionize Uganda’s agricultural sector and tackle the climate crisis. The Green Agrifood System Programme (GRASP) and Accelerating Adoption of Green and Inclusive Finance (AAGIF) aim to empower small-holder farmers, promote sustainable agriculture, and bridge the funding gap for agribusinesses.
This ambitious initiative is set to benefit over 200,000 farmers, with a focus on building climate resilience and driving green economic growth.
The five-year program will focus on building capacity for farmers and agribusinesses to adapt to climate change and continue productive activities.
Moses Nyabila, CEO of aBi Development Ltd, emphasized the significance of GRASP in addressing the climate crisis and empowering farmers to adapt. He highlighted aBi’s role as a robust partner for private-sector agricultural business development, bridging the gap between producers and markets.
Meanwhile, Mona Muguma-Ssebuliba, CEO of aBi Finance Ltd, noted that despite efforts to empower the agricultural value chain in Uganda, the funding gap remains significantly high, with only 10% of Ugandan firms accessing loans. AAGIF aims to add a Ushs11 billion investment to empower often-overlooked segments of society, including youth, women, and refugees, enabling them to build thriving agribusinesses and improve their livelihoods.
Felix Okoboi, Board Chairperson of aBi Development & Finance, appreciated the Government of Uganda, the European Union, and the Royal Danish Embassy for their unwavering support and commitment to a private sector-driven Ugandan agriculture that is green and inclusive.
The launch was attended by Hon. Frank Tumwebaze, Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), represented by Dr. Henry Nakalaet Opolot, Commissioner Extension and Skills Management Services. Dr. Opolot reiterated that aBi is directly supporting the government’s priorities and policies, aligning with the country’s strategic direction as guided by Vision 2040 and the National Development Plan III.
The launch also marked the closeout of the Uganda Programme for Sustainable and Inclusive Development of the Economy (UPSIDE) program, which started in 2019 and supported over 200,000 farmers, 50% of whom are women, to achieve resilience to climate change through expanded and inclusive green agri-food systems.
Ambassadors Signe Winding Albjerg of Denmark and Jan Sadek of the European Union praised aBi’s efforts, emphasizing the need to support Uganda’s agriculture to increase productivity and adapt to climate change. They expressed delight in strengthening jobs and incomes in agriculture through this Team Europe Initiative.