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Tugume Nelson Unveils Vision to Transform Coffee into a Global Premium Brand and Tourism Destination

Tugume Nelson Unveils Vision to Transform Coffee into a Global Premium Brand and Tourism Destination

World Business Journal talks to Tugume Nelson, CEO of Inspire Africa Group, about the strategic investment established with the government through a public-private partnership aimed at transitioning Uganda’s coffee industry from exporting raw beans to producing finished, branded products such as roasted, ground, and packaged coffee. This initiative aims to increase export value and create jobs, while also highlighting opportunities in coffee tourism and investment for stakeholders.

Can you tell us more about the Inspire Africa Coffee Park project? 

Located in Ntungamo, the Inspire Africa Coffee Park spans 120 acres and aims to become a premier destination for coffee production and tourism. 

The park is projected to produce 15,000 MT of coffee annually, offering a diverse range of products, including premium brews, instant coffee sachets, espresso capsules, coffee-based cosmetics, and gourmet chocolates.

It will feature a coffee processing factory, a 1,000-capacity conference centre, a business complex with shops and cafés, and a 4,000-seat sports facility. We plan to cultivate 100 acres of premium coffee near Lake Nyabihoko and establish a resort to attract tourists and business travellers. The park intends to use blockchain technology to link funds with the factory. The process has already started to onboard farmers with the Inspire Digital Coffee Fund. This will ensure efficiency in the supply chain system. 

Photo Credit: Brindusa Negrea
Photo Credit: Brindusa Negrea

 

We’re not just about adding value in the coffee industry; our goal is to create brands, establish industries, and lay the groundwork for future success via value addition.

What is the total investment in the project, and what is the organisational structure of Inspire Africa Group?

The Ugandan government has invested $26M in the coffee project and plans to add $20M, totalling approximately $50M.

The total estimated investment for the project stands at $150M, highlighting a funding gap and an invitation for equity investments from potential investors.

Photo Credit: Brindusa Negrea
Photo Credit: Brindusa Negrea

We retain a 65% stake, while the government holds the remaining 35%. The Coffee Investment Consortium of Uganda (CICU), which includes representatives from the government, Inspire Group, and the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation, oversees the project.

What benefits will this project bring to Uganda’s economy?

Uganda earns about $1.2B from coffee sold at $2.5/kg, while buyers in Italy, Germany, and the US pay $40/kg. Our goal is to increase earnings to $5B by 2030, potentially raising coffee prices to $30/kg. 

Photo Credit: Brindusa Negrea
Photo Credit: Brindusa Negrea

 

Ernest Rubondo Discusses How Flagship Energy Projects Are Driving National Growth and Local Industry Capacity

Ernest Rubondo Discusses How Flagship Energy Projects Are Driving National Growth and Local Industry Capacity

World Business Journal talks to Ernest Rubondo, Executive Director of the Petroleum Authority of Uganda, about the significant progress made on the four flagship projects in the oil and gas sector and the role of the regulatory framework in fostering national development, facilitating knowledge transfer, and creating employment opportunities within the industry.

What are the latest developments in Uganda’s oil and gas sector?

Uganda’s oil and gas sector features 4 key flagship projects: the Tilenga and Kingfisher Petroleum Production Projects, the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), and the Refinery Project.

The Kingfisher project is operated by CNOOC Uganda, includes 4 oil fields and is planned to have over 30 wells drilled for its production. The total investment for this project is estimated at $2B. 13 out of the 15 wells required for commencement of oil production from the Kingfisher oil field have been drilled, and the project is now about 60% complete and is expected to reach a peak production of approximately 40,000 bpd.

The Tilenga project is operated by TotalEnergies, consists of 6 oil fields and is planned to have over 400 wells drilled for its production. The total investment for this project is estimated to be $5B. To date, over 107 of the 180 wells required for first oil have been drilled using 3 rigs. The project is approximately 48% complete and is expected to reach peak production of 190,000 bpd.

The acquisition of land for both the Kingfisher and Tilenga projects is now complete, and all affected individuals have been fully compensated.

The 1,443 km, 24-inch diameter East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) runs from Hoima in Uganda to Tanga in Tanzania and is estimated to cost $5B. EACOP Ltd is developing the project, with TotalEnergies holding 62% ownership stakes, CNOOC at 8%, TPDC at 15%, and UNOC at 15%. The EACOP project has 5 camps in Uganda and 12 in Tanzania, along with 6 pump stations (2 in Uganda and 5 in Tanzania). At the end of May 2025, over 70 km of line pipe had been connected on the Ugandan side, while over 200 km had been connected on the Tanzanian side of EACOP. The pipeline project’s land acquisition has reached 98%, while the overall project progress stands at 62%.

Photo Credit: PAU

The 60,000-bpd crude oil refinery at Kabalega Industrial Park in Hoima District is planned to be developed by the Uganda Refinery Holding Company (URHC), a subsidiary of UNOC, with an estimated investment of $4B. The government of Uganda and the National Oil Company concluded an implementation agreement with Alpha MBM during April 2025 for investment in the refinery, thus paving the way for the commencement of pre-construction and subsequently construction work, which is expected to take 3 years.

What impact have regulations had on national development, knowledge transfer, and the integration of the oil and gas sector with other economic sectors?

Currently, the oil and gas industry directly employs close to 17,000 people, with 90% being Ugandans. An additional 150,000 indirect and induced jobs have been created, bringing the total jobs created by the industry close to 200,000. Ugandans occupy 64%, 85%, and over 99% of the management, technical, and support roles in the country’s oil and gas sector.

The government has worked with the private sector to enable 15 vocational institutions to attain globally recognised certifications in the oil and gas industry. 14,000 Ugandans have received training and achieved international certification in trades like welding, plumbing, scaffolding, etc.

Photo Credit: PAU

Over 2000 micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises have had their capacity built in areas of bidding and financial management, together with aspects of HSE. The key objective of this capacity building has been to enable them to secure and implement contracts to provide goods and services in the sector.

Ugandan entities supplied a growing volume of goods and services to the industry, with $2.2B of the total $5.4B in contracts awarded by the end of 2024 going to local businesses.

Joint ventures between Ugandan and international entities are key avenues for supporting technology transfer in the sector. As of the end of 2024, we have approved nearly 150 joint ventures, and 35 of these have secured contracts worth $338M.

The government has conducted studies to identify linkages between the oil and gas sector and key sectors of Uganda’s economy, such as agriculture, tourism, banking, transport, health, and education. Properly harnessing these linkages could generate an additional $8B in value from oil and gas activities.

 

UNOC CEO Proscovia Nabbanja Details Upstream Growth Strategy and New Crude Blend Plans

UNOC CEO Proscovia Nabbanja Details Upstream Growth Strategy and New Crude Blend Plans

 

World Business Journal talks to Proscovia Nabbanja, CEO of the Uganda National Oil Company, about the company’s growth trajectory as the oil and gas sector advances, the progress achieved in developing the Kasuruban block, and the efforts to build marketing and trading capabilities while progressing toward launching a new crude blend in the market.

How have the latest advancements in the upstream sector developed the operational knowledge of the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC)?

Our role as a commercial entity and Joint Venture Partner (JVP) has required us to negotiate and execute complex commercial frameworks for various projects across the entire petroleum value chain, which has deepened our understanding of value extraction, risk allocation, cost recovery, and commercial structuring in large-scale petroleum projects. 

We have also gained substantial institutional knowledge in project design and execution, which has enhanced our technical understanding and refined our project delivery competencies. 

We are proactively building our crude marketing and trading capabilities and have developed a detailed roadmap for our crude trading business. We are currently working with an international expert to structure the operation and are progressing toward the launch of a distinctive Ugandan crude blend in the market. 

The award of the Kasuruban Contract Area marked a significant milestone in our journey toward becoming a fully-fledged upstream operator, capable of independently acquiring and developing exploration acreage.

What progress has been achieved in the development of the Kasuruban block, and what is the current status of securing a joint venture partner for future operations?

We have embarked on a work programme including seismic data reprocessing and an ongoing Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA). Parallel to our technical activities, we are actively pursuing a joint venture partner as required under the licence that was issued. We are in the process of identifying a partner with the right blend of technical capability, financial strength, and shared commitment to national value creation. 

Looking ahead, we plan to progress to the acquisition of 3D seismic data and undertake key engineering studies in partnership with the selected JV partner. These efforts are expected to culminate in the submission of Field Development Plans to the Petroleum Authority of Uganda by the end of 2025.

In 2024, UNOC became the sole importer of petroleum products. What impacts have been observed on supply chain security and pricing since this change?

Direct sourcing and importation of petroleum products have provided our country with end-to-end supply chain visibility, enabling timely interventions with stakeholders to ensure supply continuity and security.

The direct transactions with the Ugandan OMCs have also eliminated unnecessary layers of intermediary transactions and the associated speculation

Giving a uniform price per product type and vessel delivery to all OMCs has boosted competition for market share, leading to better consumer and retail prices.

PS Irene Batebe on Uganda’s Energy Expansion, Refinery Progress and Mining Resource Strategy

PS Irene Batebe on Uganda’s Energy Expansion, Refinery Progress and Mining Resource Strategy

World Business Journal talks to Irene Batebe, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, about the ambitious goal of achieving 52,000 MW of generation capacity by 2040, the importance of quantifying mineral resources, the advantages of the new 60,000 bpd refinery at Kabaale, and the vast investment opportunities within the mining sector.

Can you provide an overview of the ongoing hydro, solar, and nuclear energy initiatives aimed at reaching 52,000 MW by 2040?

The 2023 energy policy aims to boost generation capacity from 2,051.6 MW to 52,000 MW and achieve universal electricity access, currently at 60%. We plan to diversify our generation—currently 93% hydropower—by adding 28,000 MW from solar, bioenergy, and gas, along with 24,000 MW from nuclear.

We are advancing three hydropower projects on the River Nile: Ayago, Kiba, and Oriang. In geothermal, we aim to unlock 4,500 MW through exploration in Western Uganda, particularly near Kikube and the Pakwach Basin. We are finalising a grid stability study for solar integration and developing mini-grids for remote areas.

In collaboration with the IAEA, our nuclear programme includes preparatory studies and design work. We are also enhancing transmission through a new grid development plan and regional interconnections via the East Africa Power Pool.

The Electricity Access Scale-up Project (EASP), in collaboration with the World Bank and other projects, intends to increase the number of connections from 2.3 million to 4.3 million over the next three years.

Supporting local companies in supplying goods like transformers and meters will boost the economy. Our focus includes advancing energy efficiency, managing demand, and promoting alternative cooking solutions such as liquefied petroleum gas and biogas, while ensuring the sustainable use of biomass to address energy transition challenges and resource depletion holistically.

How is the mineral exploration programme aimed at quantifying mineral resources progressing?

The mineral exploration programme is advancing as a core objective of NDPIV, focusing on quantifying resources such as iron ore, gold, copper, lithium, and nickel. With increased government financing and the establishment of a new national mining company, we are optimistic about tapping into the country’s mineral potential.

A specific project has been approved through a production sharing agreement with Sarrai Group that will hold 85% and the Ugandan National Mining Company 15%. This partnership aims to enhance exploration, especially in copper, while the government manages most of the quantification to ensure accurate data for investment.

What advantages will the Kabaale (Hoima) oil refinery project provide for the region’s energy security?

The refinery project, initiated due to oil discovery and regional demand for petroleum products (around 250,000 bpd), is essential as regional refineries in Mombasa and Tanzania are closed, creating supply insecurity. With an initial capacity of 60,000 bpd and potential expansion to 120,000 bpd, the refinery will also supply western Kenya, northern Tanzania, eastern DRC, and South Sudan, improving regional energy security. The project is financially viable, offering a 15% to 20% return on investment. Funded through a 100% equity model, the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC) will contribute 40% and Alpha MBM Investments 60%. The estimated cost is $3-$4B, with UNOC expected to mobilise $1.2 bn to $1.6B over 3 years, ensuring a sustainable fuel supply for Uganda and the region.

What investment opportunities are available for investors in the mining sector?

Investors can explore opportunities in gold, iron ore, rare earth elements, copper, nickel, manganese, chromite, lithium, and uranium, among others.

The airborne geophysical survey for Karamoja and Kadam-Moroto has identified significant mineral resources. There are opportunities in beneficiation and value addition projects, with 9 gold refineries and expanding tin and iron ore smelting plants. To assist investors, an online mining cadastre system has been established, serving as a primary resource for engagement with us.

 

Where to Invest in Uganda 2025: Key Sectors and Opportunities Highlighted by Hiromi Abe

Where to Invest in Uganda 2025: Key Sectors and Opportunities Highlighted by Hiromi Abe

World Business Journal talks to Hiromi Abe, Private Secretary to the President for Investment Matters at the State House, about the country’s investment landscape, highlighting the abundant opportunities across key sectors and the various advantages and incentives offered to both local and foreign investors.

Which sectors show the most investment potential?

We are prioritising key investment sectors, starting with agriculture, which accounts for approximately 32% of GDP and employs 72% of the workforce. The focus is on value addition in canned tomatoes, soybeans, pineapples, fruit juices, pulses, and edible and cosmetic oils, along with significant growth potential in dairy processing, particularly cheese, cream, and ice cream.

Manufacturing is vital for economic growth, with factory numbers tripling in 5 years. Opportunities in cotton value addition and furniture manufacturing are significant, given that 90% of ginned cotton is exported and there’s a ban on raw timber exports.

The tourism sector offers significant investment opportunities, particularly in hotels, resorts, and activities like water sports on Lake Victoria and mountain adventures.

We prioritise mineral value addition by banning the export of raw minerals to encourage local processing, stimulating growth in industries like cement and steel.

The vehicle parts sector is also emerging; with companies like Kiira Motors Corporation assembling vehicles, there is a need for local production of vehicle parts to reduce imports.

Infrastructure development, including roads, bridges, and railway networks, is a government priority. 

Our abundant solar, hydro, and geothermal resources offer potential for sustainable energy. The World Bank’s regional power integration initiative will enable energy trading with neighbouring countries, attracting investors in power generation.

The ICT sector offers investment opportunities in e-government services, data centres, BPO, and KPO, with high demand despite limited infrastructure.

The real estate sector, particularly affordable housing, deserves attention due to a significant housing deficit of 2.4 million units. This gap underscores the critical demand for low- and medium-cost housing solutions, creating a valuable opportunity for development and investment.

What makes Uganda an attractive destination for manufacturing?

Our strategic location offers access to five neighbouring markets and abundant raw materials, backed up by a youthful, educated, and cost-effective workforce.

Investors can benefit from a clear legal framework offering a 10-year income tax holiday and import duty exemptions for qualifying businesses. Non-tax incentives include free land in industrial parks and essential infrastructure support.

The environment allows for 100% foreign ownership and free capital movement. Political stability and consistent leadership create a secure investment climate, while the Buy Uganda Build Uganda policy prioritises locally manufactured goods in government procurement, ensuring a reliable market for manufacturers.

What advice do you have for first-time investors in the country?

Establish connections with the relevant stakeholders and departments to ensure you obtain precise and credible information. Begin at your embassy and rely on the Uganda Investment Authority for a secure investment experience. Our office is also here to assist investors at any stage—helping you understand incentives, policy, and priority sectors; our role is to facilitate investment and align it with national interests.

 

Private investors gain wider access to China’s state-dominated industries

Private investors gain wider access to China’s state-dominated industries

China’s cabinet has unveiled measures to attract private capital into major state-dominated industries, including energy, transport and infrastructure, as Beijing seeks to revive a slowing economy and reassure entrepreneurs of their central role.

The State Council on Monday released a document titled “Several Measures on Further Promoting the Development of Private Investment”. The notice states:

“For key projects in areas including rail and nuclear power that require approval or verification from relevant departments and have a certain level of returns, the participation of private capital is supported and requirements such as shareholding ratios should be clearly defined.”
(Source: State Council of the People’s Republic of China, English.gov.cn, Nov 11 2025)

Private investors are also encouraged to take part in new local urban-infrastructure projects that “have the potential to become profitable”. The government pledged to “remove unreasonable access restrictions for business entities in the services sectors” and strengthen procurement support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
(Source: State Council, English.gov.cn, Nov 11 2025)

Broadening access to key industries

The policy marks one of Beijing’s most detailed efforts to lower barriers for private firms in sectors traditionally dominated by state-owned conglomerates.

According to China Global Television Network (CGTN), which cited the official document, the measures call for feasibility studies on private participation in:

  • railways, nuclear power and hydropower

  • inter-provincial and inter-regional power transmission channels

  • oil and gas pipelines

  • LNG reception and storage facilities

  • water supply systems

“For eligible projects, the shareholding ratio for private capital can exceed 10 percent,” CGTN reported.

The Global Times noted that the measures also cover the “low-altitude economy”—airborne activities under 1,000 metres—and call for “equal treatment” of private companies in commercial space licensing and satellite communications.

The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), China’s top economic-planning agency, said the policy aims to “stimulate the vitality of private investment and promote the sector’s development.”
(Source: Xinhua News Agency, Nov 10 2025)

Economic and climate backdrop

The announcement comes amid weak business confidence and deflationary pressure in the world’s second-largest economy. According to official data cited by Xinhua, private firms contribute over 50 percent of China’s tax revenue, 60 percent of its GDP and 80 percent of urban employment.

Analysts say the policy could also intersect with Beijing’s climate and energy transition goals. Allowing private capital into hydropower, grid, and nuclear projects could mobilise investment for low-carbon infrastructure, while inclusion of oil and gas pipelines underscores the government’s continued focus on energy security.

“Private capital participation in large-scale energy infrastructure could help accelerate grid modernisation and renewable integration,” said Li Jun, an independent energy economist in Shanghai. “But without clear green-investment standards, there is also a risk of locking in carbon-intensive assets.”
(Interview conducted by Reuters, Nov 2025)

China has pledged to peak carbon dioxide emissions by around 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. Global agencies such as the International Energy Agency (IEA) estimate that global clean-energy investment must triple by 2030 to meet Paris Agreement targets.
(Source: International Energy Agency, World Energy Outlook 2024)

Support for smaller firms

The State Council’s notice directs that at least 40 percent of procurement budgets for government projects be reserved for SMEs and encourages public buyers to increase advance payments to more than 30 percent of contract values
(Source: Global Times, Nov 10 2025)

Economists view the measures as part of a broader effort to stabilise expectations and crowd in non-state capital after years of pandemic disruption and tightening regulation.

“The government is signalling that private enterprise remains crucial,” said Louis Kuijs, chief Asia economist at S&P Global. “Whether new investment materialises will depend on consistent implementation and whether returns are commercially attractive.”
(Interview conducted by Reuters, Nov 2025)

Global context

The policy shift places China alongside other major economies using state-supported incentives to draw private investment into strategic sectors. The United States’ Inflation Reduction Act and the European Union’s Green Deal Industrial Plan have channelled billions of dollars into clean-energy projects. Beijing’s approach, by contrast, emphasises gradual liberalisation within a state-guided framework.

Analysts note that if China pairs its new measures with transparent climate criteria, it could both boost private-sector confidence and enhance the country’s credibility in meeting its 2060 carbon-neutrality target.

Western Union Launches USDPT: A Stablecoin for the Future of Money

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Western Union Launches USDPT: A Stablecoin for the Future of Money

Western Union (NYSE: WU), the global money-transfer giant, has announced plans to launch a U.S. dollar–backed stablecoin, USDPT (U.S. Dollar Payment Token), built on the Solana blockchain and issued by federally regulated Anchorage Digital Bank. The rollout is expected in the first half of 2026, alongside a “Digital Asset Network” aimed at bridging traditional fiat money and digital assets. (Western Union Press Release, 2025)

Western Union CEO Devin McGranahan emphasised that the stablecoin and Digital Asset Network aim to provide users and partners with seamless access to send, receive, hold, and spend USDPT, while leveraging the company’s global compliance and risk infrastructure. “Financial services accessible to people everywhere” is the stated goal of the initiative. (Western Union Press Release, 2025)

A Shift in Global Payments

While the announcement is a major corporate move, it reflects a broader transformation in cross-border payments. Traditional international transfers often involve multiple intermediaries, delays of one to three business days, and high fees—particularly affecting remittance corridors in emerging markets. (Bank of Japan, 2024)

Stablecoins like USDPT promise to address these challenges by providing near-instant settlement and lower fees. Research shows that tokenised cash can accelerate money movement, reduce the cost of remittances, and offer 24/7 accessibility. (McKinsey & Company, 2025)

Solana’s high-speed, low-cost blockchain was chosen to handle the expected transaction volumes, while Anchorage Digital ensures regulatory compliance and secure custody. This combination signals a growing trend where established payment providers adopt blockchain infrastructure rather than being displaced by fintech startups. (The Fintech Times, 2025)

Regulatory and Operational Considerations

Despite the promise, stablecoin adoption remains subject to regulatory scrutiny. The Bank for International Settlements notes that stablecoins must integrate with existing payment systems, manage liquidity and settlement risk, and maintain cross-border oversight. (BIS, 2024)

Western Union’s strategy addresses some of these concerns through regulated issuance and its existing global agent network. However, adoption in emerging markets will depend on local currency access, cash-out infrastructure, and trust in the digital asset’s stability.

The Future of Payments

The USDPT initiative highlights the broader trajectory of global payments: faster, cheaper, and more inclusive digital transfer systems powered by tokenised cash. Visa, Mastercard, and major e-commerce players are exploring similar stablecoin strategies, indicating a market-wide pivot. (Barron’s, 2025Investopedia, 2025)

If executed successfully, USDPT could reshape remittances, enable real-time cross-border settlements, and reduce costs for millions worldwide. The real test will be widespread adoption, regulatory alignment, and the ability to convert stablecoins into local currencies where recipients live.

Western Union’s move reflects a strategic pivot from traditional cash and wire transfers toward blockchain-enabled, tokenised payment rails—a step that may define the next decade of global financial infrastructure.

Uganda’s Hass Avocado Market Expands with Avotein Farms’ Sea Exports and Cold-Chain Investments

 

Uganda’s Hass Avocado Market Expands with Avotein Farms’ Sea Exports and Cold-Chain Investments

World Business Journal talks to Hani Dahlan, founder and CEO of Avotein Farms, about the company’s strategic operations in avocado farming, its successful sea exports of Hass avocados to Europe, substantial investments in cold chain logistics, and the growing investment opportunities in Uganda’s Hass avocado cultivation, fuelled by increasing global demand.

 

What are the key operations and focus areas of Avotein Farms?

Established in 2022, we specialise in Hass avocado cultivation. We manage 130 acres in Mityana, with 80 acres planted (12,800 trees). Our operations include a district avocado collection centre, an export packhouse, and 2 nurseries with a capacity of 10,000 Hass seedlings.

We also created the Hass Avocado Fund, offering investors a chance to tap into Uganda’s agri-sector. With a 20-year agreement, investors pay $140 per acre monthly for the first 3 years and receive $1,500 annually from years 4 to 20, yielding a total ROI of $25,000 per acre, and they can choose to invest in one acre or more.

The fund, which has 26 international investors and is growing, establishes Uganda as a business hub by focusing on Hass avocados, which are set to become the country’s major crop after coffee.

How has the logistics process been for exporting avocados to Europe by sea?

In 2024, we became the pioneers in exporting Hass avocados to Spain by sea. The 40-day journey demands precise packing to ensure the avocados maintain their quality. Ensuring proper harvesting is critical, so we only select avocados with a minimum maturity of 21%. We’ve encountered various challenges, but each shipment has offered valuable insights into the local economy and our farm’s capabilities. To date, we’ve exported 4 containers worth $160,000. We’re currently shipping 1 container weekly and plan to increase to 4 containers weekly next season due to rising demand.

To improve logistics for fruits and vegetables, we’re launching AgriMove with a $10M investment. This includes building 40 collection hubs and deploying 20 refrigerated 13-tonne trucks to transport produce efficiently. Partnering with Maersk and Love Fruits, our buyer in Spain, we aim to reduce the 20%-30% loss due to inadequate transport methods by using crates instead of plastic sacks and maintaining a cold-chain logistics. The initiative kicks off in July, with a focus on growing Hass avocado exports.

Currently, 2 trucks and 2 hubs—in Ntungamo and Mayuge—are under preparation. Each hub will feature cold storage to keep produce fresh right after harvest, ensuring quality for both local and export markets.

What are your company’s future projections, and how can Uganda contribute to the increasing demand for Hass avocados?

We anticipate significant growth in the demand for Hass avocados. Thanks to government support, including 50% subsidised seedlings, Uganda’s production capacity is expected to reach 56,000 tonnes in the next two years. This will enable the export of about 2,300 containers annually, potentially generating $70M, helping to meet global demand and support our growth strategy.

 

Tugume Nelson on Inspire Africa Group’s Strategic $150M Investment Transforming Uganda’s Coffee Sector

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Tugume Nelson on Inspire Africa Group’s Strategic $150M Investment Transforming Uganda’s Coffee Sector

World Business Journal talks with Tugume Nelson, CEO of Inspire Africa Group, about the strategic investment established with the government through a public-private partnership aimed at transitioning Uganda’s coffee industry from exporting raw beans to producing finished, branded products such as roasted, ground, and packaged coffee. This initiative aims to increase export value and create jobs, while also highlighting opportunities in coffee tourism and investment for stakeholders.

 

Can you tell us more about the Inspire Africa Coffee Park project? 

Located in Ntungamo, the Inspire Africa Coffee Park spans 120 acres and aims to become a premier destination for coffee production and tourism. 

The park is projected to produce 15,000 MT of coffee annually, offering a diverse range of products, including premium brews, instant coffee sachets, espresso capsules, coffee-based cosmetics, and gourmet chocolates.

It will feature a coffee processing factory, a 1,000-capacity conference centre, a business complex with shops and cafés, and a 4,000-seat sports facility. We plan to cultivate 100 acres of premium coffee near Lake Nyabihoko and establish a resort to attract tourists and business travellers. The park intends to use blockchain technology to link funds with the factory. The process has already started to onboard farmers with the Inspire Digital Coffee Fund. This will ensure efficiency in the supply chain system. 

We’re not just about adding value in the coffee industry; our goal is to create brands, establish industries, and lay the groundwork for future success via value addition.

What is the total investment in the project, and what is the organisational structure of Inspire Africa Group?

The Ugandan government has invested $26M in the coffee project and plans to add $20M, totalling approximately $50M.

The total estimated investment for the project stands at $150M, highlighting a funding gap and an invitation for equity investments from potential investors.

We retain a 65% stake, while the government holds the remaining 35%. The Coffee Investment Consortium of Uganda (CICU), which includes representatives from the government, Inspire Group, and the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation, oversees the project.

What benefits will this project bring to Uganda’s economy?

Uganda earns about $1.2B from coffee sold at $2.5/kg, while buyers in Italy, Germany, and the US pay $40/kg. Our goal is to increase earnings to $5B by 2030, potentially raising coffee prices to $30/kg.

 

Uganda’s Work Permit Reforms Already Boost Investment; Kambere Signals Key Visa Changes Coming

Uganda’s Work Permit Reforms Already Boost Investment; Kambere Signals Key Visa Changes Coming

World Business Journal talks to Geoffrey Brian Kambere, Commissioner, Border and Foreign Nationals Management, DCIC, about changes made in issuing work permits, planned interventions in visa policy, and precautions to be taken while applying for work permits.

 What recent changes have occurred in Uganda’s work permit categories?

 Currently, there are 11 distinct classes of work permits, each tailored to meet the needs of the business community and foreign professionals. In 2021, the government introduced incentivised work permit categories specifically designed to promote investment in key sectors. These include B2 (Agro-processing), E (Manufacturing), C2 (Mining specific minerals), and G3 (Rare skilled professionals). To encourage participation, the statutory fees for these categories were substantially reduced from $ 2,500 to $ 400 annually.

The government further took a deliberate effort to reduce the cost of doing business in the country with the removal of the compulsory security bond fees and the introduction of a repatriation agreement. This agreement is between DCIC and the employer of the expatriate. At the end/termination of the contract, the expatriate will be removed from Uganda at the expense of the employer.

Applicants must meet specific criteria to qualify, including obtaining a Uganda Investment Authority (UIA) license, a valid mining license (for extractives), a Tax Clearance Certificate, and Interpol clearance, among others. The government emphasises the importance of protecting opportunities for Ugandans; therefore, companies hiring expatriates must demonstrate the absence of qualified local candidates.

The work permit application process is now fully automated and globally accessible online, with a standard processing period of 7 working days upon submission of all required documents. While physical interviews may be requested for verification purposes, they are not mandatory for all applicants.

Are there any planned interventions in visa policy and facilitation?

The government has planned interventions to improve facilitation and accessibility for travellers. Among them is a new business visa category designed for short-term visits ranging from a week to a month, intended to support business travel and improve monitoring of such movements.

There is also consideration for a 3-month multiple-entry tourist visa to encourage repeat visits and promote tourism.

 How has your military background shaped your leadership and decision-making as Commissioner of Immigration?

 My military background has shaped my leadership by instilling discipline, structure, and strategic clarity. It has also emphasised the importance of organisation and teamwork, which are crucial for managing complex processes.

In the military, decisions often carry immediate consequences; similarly, in immigration control, each decision impacts national security and public trust. This awareness has improved my focus on accuracy, thorough assessment, and accountability in decision-making.

Adapting to international standards, such as those from ICAO, further strengthened my capability to harmonise local procedures with global best practices, ultimately ensuring that Uganda maintains secure, fair, and efficient immigration services.