PACEID, UNDP launch training programme to help Ugandan exporters enter U.S. Market

KAMPALA, (UG): The Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development (PACEID) in partnership with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), on Monday 14^th August 2023, launched an export preparedness training programme designed to help Ugandan exporters successfully penetrate the highly competitive US market.

The United States offers tremendous opportunities for businesses looking to expand their reach given their USD18 trillion consumer expenditure. Navigating the complexities of the US market can often prove challenging, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of its unique dynamics.

PACEID and UNDP collaborated with Uganda’s Trade Representative to North America Olivier Kamanzi to launch this comprehensive export preparedness training. Kamanzi is the co-founder of the Africa Global Chamber of Commerce and an International Trade, Financial Manager and Capital Markets expert.

Mr Odrek Rwabwogo, the Chairman PACEID and Nicholas Burunde, a UNDP Representative together with Mrs Susan Muhwezi of the AGOA Country Response unit, Mrs Olive Kigongo, president of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives Commissioner for External Trade, Mr Cleopas Ndolerire, commissioned the training programme.

In his remarks at the launch, Mr Rwabwogo expressed his gratitude to HE the president for supporting the export drive of PACEID and for encouraging Government institutions to attend the export preparedness training session.

He thanked Mr Kamanzi of the Chicago African Chamber of Commerce and the UN Resident Representative office for supporting this effort.

“Ensuring our products meet market standards is paramount in global trade. In a significant step, we have launched the US Export Preparedness Training led by Dr Chuiri Robert, an AGOA-certified trainer. This initiative is a critical step towards equipping Ugandan exporters with the necessary insights to sell to the U.S. market” Rwabwogo noted.

The five-day training program will equip export businesses with valuable insights, strategies, and practical knowledge required to enter and thrive in the US market. By leveraging the expertise of renowned industry professionals, the program offers a holistic approach to understanding US regulations, cultural nuances, market trends, and consumer preferences.

This initiative aims to bolster Uganda’s key export sectors, including Banana, Coffee, Dried Fruits, Fresh Produce, Leather, Vanilla, Cow Horn, Dairy, Tourism, Grain, and Cocoa as Uganda anticipates a surge in exports to the US. In return, the US is expected to increase its exports to Uganda, focusing on technology, vehicles, and smartphones.

The training encompasses vital export aspects including:

1. Targeted Market Research: Comprehensive market reports providing detailed information on industry-specific opportunities, demand trends, competitive analysis, and potential hurdles within the US market.
2. Regulatory Compliance Guidance: In-depth understanding of the complex regulatory landscape, including customs, taxes, labelling requirements, certifications, and licenses, ensuring exporters meet all necessary legal requirements.
3. Effective Marketing Strategies: Personalized guidance on tailoring marketing campaigns to resonate with American consumers, tapping into promotional channels, and navigating e-commerce platforms.
4. Supply Chain Optimization: Expert advice on enhancing supply chain efficiency, optimizing logistics, and mitigating potential challenges related to distribution and transportation.
5. Cultural Sensitivity Training: A comprehensive module on understanding American consumer behaviour, cultural sensitivities, and customer expectations, ensuring exporters develop products and marketing messages that resonate with this diverse market.

Dr Chuiri Robert, Founder and CEO of Global Standards USA, an international firm that provides auditing, inspections, certifications and training for companies in the food service industry, is excited about working with Ugandan exporters to help them empower their businesses to maximize their growth potential in the US market.

On his part, Olivier Kamanzi said, “This certification training is the first step for Ugandan exporters getting proper certification to access the US market.”

Others who attended the launch include; Matthew Bagonza- PACEID Executive Committee member, Cleopas Ndorere-Commissioner for External Trade, Ministry of Trade, Andrew Luzze Kaggwa, David Bikhado Ofungi-Technical Advisor to the Uganda National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mary Amumpaire from the IT Department Ministry of Trade, Atwiine Emmanuel- External Trade department at Ministry of Trade, and Brenda Opus Katarikawe- PACEID Executive Committee member among many others.

The launch of the online training was attended by over 30 Ugandan exporters from the thirteen priority sectors planning to attend the B2B session organised by PACEID during the Ugandan North American Association (UNAA) Convention in Dallas, Texas next month.

These include; Agnes Netunze (Sseko designs/leather), James Kanyijje of KK Foods, Simon Musisi a vanilla exporter, Andrew Matovu who represented the Presidential Initiative on Banana Industrial Development (PIBID), Brian Mugume of Adventure Consults Uganda, Kamira Haruna from the grain sector, Maria Bisamaza of Sanitary and phytosanitary standards.

Mrs Henrietta Wamala-President of UNNA and Uganda’s Trade Representative on Coffee in Chicago, Cody Lorance also attended the inauguration.

About PACEID

The Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports & Industry Development (PACEID) was established to address the strategic and operational bottlenecks that impede Uganda from fully harnessing its industrial and export potential.

PACEID also coordinates with Ugandan exporters, producers, government institutions, international markets, and other stakeholders to ensure they work collaboratively to accelerate Uganda’s export growth and industrial development.