Fred Bwino Kyakulaga (2nd Left), the Minister of State for Agriculture, aBi officials and other delegates who participated in the the aBi Development Annual Partners’ Meeting, held at Méstil Hotel in Kampala recently
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I The Agricultural Business Initiative (aBi) Development has lined up investments which it says will transform Uganda and positively impact the lives of millions of citizens.
Founded in 2010 by the Governments of Denmark and Uganda as a social enterprise to foster development in Uganda’s agribusiness and agricultural sectors, the organization has grown through the years.
aBi was initially known as aBi Trust but later transformed into two distinct companies in September 2019, which include aBi Development Ltd and aBi 2020 Ltd.
Moses Nyabila, the aBi Development chief executive officer said that the organization has made investment allocations which include Shs 10 billion for tubers, cereals, oilseed, and pulses, Shs 12 billion for horticulture; and Shs 16 billion for the coffee value chain.
He pinpointed the key investment areas as the establishment of the Agricultural Business Centre, Climate-smart Farm Input Distribution and Services Hubs and Agri-Finance Accelerator/Fund.
Others include the Off-taker-led Value Chain Hubs, Digital Farmer Platforms, among others.
Nyabila noted that since its inception in 2010, aBi has disbursed about Shs 320 billion in grants and technical assistance to over 300 small and medium-sized enterprises, farmer organizations, and non-governmental organisations.
He added that among its achievements, aBi has generated an estimated Shs 1.1 trillion in additional income for farmers and agribusinesses.
He made this revelation during the aBi Development Annual Partners’ Meeting, held at Méstil Hotel in Kampala recently.
Held under the theme: “Advancing Climate Resilient, Green and Inclusive Agro-industrial Growth in Uganda,” the meeting brought together delegates from the Government, NGO world, development partners, farmer’s groups, among others.
Nyabila said that their interventions have impacted approximately 11 million individuals around Uganda.
“With our new strategy aimed at fostering climate-resilient, green, and inclusive agro-industrial growth within Uganda, the numbers are even going to go higher,” he said.
He highlighted the strategic pillars as enhancing climate change resilience, promoting sustainable growth, and improving the sector’s global competitiveness.
He emphasized the significant role of agriculture in Uganda’s economy, contributing 24% to the GDP and employing approximately 70% of the population.
He further highlighted the sector’s untapped potential for further growth, saying that his organization is set to increase investment and create positive impact upon the lives of Ugandans.
Nyabila said that by 2028, aBi Development aims to reach 2 million farmers with enhanced inputs and services.
“We will henceforth double the productivity and income of 500,000 smallholder farmers, and strengthen agribusiness market linkages,” he noted.
Fred Bwino Kyakulaga, the Minister of State for Agriculture, commended aBi Development’s efforts, particularly in promoting the clustering model within the agribusiness sector and supporting compliance with the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).
He acknowledged the collaborative efforts in farm registration and mapping of coffee and cocoa plantations.
“We are obliged to move with our partners to ensure that efforts to support the human habitat are enhanced,” he said.
Signe Winding Albjerg, the Danish Ambassador to Uganda underscored the importance of sustainable economic development and climate responsibility, noting their support for aBi Development’s initiatives.
Samson Emong, the Managing Director, Cafe Africa’s addressed the challenges facing the coffee sector in complying with EUDR and the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CS3D).
