Uganda sets sights on Gulf markets to boost farm exports
The country moves to set up a national halal certification office to make its products more competitive in the Middle East.
UGANDA – Uganda is working to increase its agricultural exports to Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries as it seeks to earn more from its vast farming potential.
The move comes as the government partners with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) to establish a national halal certification office.
The announcement came from Ramathan Ggoobi, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Finance, during the Uganda-UAE Business Forum held in Kampala from October 27 to 29.
He said the plan is already at an advanced stage, signaling a major step in helping Ugandan products meet the standards required by Muslim-majority countries.
Halal certification to open market access
Halal certification ensures that food products comply with Islamic dietary laws. Many countries in the Middle East require this certification before allowing imports of animal and processed foods.
Mr. Ggoobi said that once the National Halal Certification Bureau becomes operational, it will work with the Ministry of Commerce to include halal standards in agro-industrial parks, cold chains, and export facilities such as Entebbe International Airport and Hoima Cargo Terminal.
“Certification will eliminate barriers and make our food exports more competitive in the Middle East. It’s not just about compliance, but also about creating value and brand trust,” Mr. Ggoobi said.
Targeted exports include beef, dairy, poultry, fruit, grains, coffee, and processed foods. Officials believe that improving certification and export infrastructure will make Uganda a reliable supplier to Middle Eastern markets, especially the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar.
Export targets and economic impact
Uganda’s agriculture sector contributes 24 percent to the country’s GDP and employs about 66 percent of its workforce. Yet, according to official figures, only a small share of agricultural exports, less than 10 percent, go to Gulf countries.
The country exports roughly 4.4 billion US dollars’ worth of agricultural and food products each year, but the government wants to double this share within five years.
“Our focus is on creating consistent market access that benefits farmers and processors at every level,” said a senior official from the Ministry of Trade during the forum.
Broader trade and investment cooperation
Beyond agriculture, the Uganda-UAE Business Forum also discussed investments in logistics, energy, and tourism. Delegates from both sides highlighted the importance of trade partnerships that build mutual growth.
UAE investors expressed interest in infrastructure projects aimed at supporting export-oriented industries.
As Uganda moves forward with the halal certification project, officials see it as a way to strengthen ties with Gulf countries and improve earnings from agricultural exports.
The partnership with the UAE and IsDB is expected to accelerate trade integration and give Uganda a stronger presence in Middle Eastern markets.
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