The exhibition was held from January 26-30
By Our Reporter
Uganda has registered a successful first appearance at the Global Food exhibition held in Dubai, marking a significant milestone in the country’s drive to expand exports and position its products in international markets.
The country participated for the first time at the Dubai-based event under the Made in Uganda brand, drawing strong interest from buyers, distributors, investors and industry players from the Middle East, Asia and Europe. The exhibition, held from January 26 to 30, provided a platform for Uganda to showcase its growing range of value-added agricultural products.
At the national pavilion, Ugandan exhibitors presented products including coffee, cocoa, spices, avocado oil and dried fruits, reflecting a shift away from raw commodity exports toward processed and market-ready goods that meet global standards. Participants reported encouraging feedback on the quality, packaging and branding of the products on display, signalling rising international demand for Ugandan food products.
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The exhibition was held from January 26-30
By Our Reporter
Uganda has registered a successful first appearance at the Global Food exhibition held in Dubai, marking a significant milestone in the country’s drive to expand exports and position its products in international markets.
The country participated for the first time at the Dubai-based event under the Made in Uganda brand, drawing strong interest from buyers, distributors, investors and industry players from the Middle East, Asia and Europe. The exhibition, held from January 26 to 30, provided a platform for Uganda to showcase its growing range of value-added agricultural products.
At the national pavilion, Ugandan exhibitors presented products including coffee, cocoa, spices, avocado oil and dried fruits, reflecting a shift away from raw commodity exports toward processed and market-ready goods that meet global standards. Participants reported encouraging feedback on the quality, packaging and branding of the products on display, signalling rising international demand for Ugandan food products.
Uganda’s participation was coordinated by the country’s diplomatic mission, led by Ambassador Aisa Ismail, with support from Counsellors Erina Zalwango and Jeff Bayiga, as well as First Secretary Asha Nabbanja. Additional technical and logistical support was provided by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation under Minister Dr Monica Musenero, particularly in product presentation, production support and exhibition arrangements.
The debut in Dubai aligns with government efforts to boost export earnings through value addition, agro-industrialisation and market diversification. Agriculture remains a cornerstone of Uganda’s economy, employing more than two-thirds of the population and serving as a major source of foreign exchange, with coffee continuing to lead export receipts.
For years, Uganda has largely exported agricultural produce in raw or semi-processed form, limiting income potential and exposing farmers to global price fluctuations. Recent policy emphasis on processing, branding and certification is aimed at enabling local products to compete more effectively in higher-value international markets.
The Middle East has emerged as one of Uganda’s fastest-growing export destinations, particularly for coffee, tea, fresh produce and processed foods. Participation in global trade exhibitions such as the Dubai event is increasingly viewed as a strategic tool for commercial diplomacy, helping Ugandan companies secure buyers, build distribution networks and attract investment into agro-processing.
