Uganda's efforts to increase the value of its exports have gained momentum as over 150 investors and business leaders from 10 countries participated in Equity Group's 2026 Uganda Trade and Investment Roadshow. The investors visited local enterprises, including Zigoti Coffee Works Limited, Roofings Limited, and RZ Innovations Limited, to assess how financing, technology, and regional market access can help Ugandan businesses expand local production and move beyond exporting raw commodities.
At Zigoti Coffee Works, a third-generation coffee business established in 1984, discussions focused on financing processing equipment, working capital, and support for smallholder farmers. The company, Uganda's first licensed private coffee exporter, is investing in wet processing and specialty coffee to increase its export value. Chairman Charles Roscoe Nsubuga emphasized the need for long-term financing for local exporters to compete in international markets.
The roadshow, designed to connect African producers with buyers and markets across the continent, was driven by demand from Equity customers seeking opportunities to explore markets in different parts of Africa. Irene Irungu, Senior Manager of Trade Relations at Equity Group, said the initiative aims to support intra-African trade by helping Ugandan businesses identify new markets, investment opportunities, and partnerships.
RZ Innovations, a company that began as a motorcycle spare-parts business in 2005, has expanded into manufacturing motorcycle tyres, inner tubes, and brake shoes, employing about 650 people. The company supplies products to markets across East and Central Africa and is investing in circular manufacturing by recycling scrap aluminium and rubber. However, company management highlighted challenges facing manufacturers, including high production costs, foreign exchange fluctuations, logistics constraints, and unreliable electricity supply.
General Manager of RZ Innovations, Mark Ssempijja, cited unstable electricity as a major challenge for the factory, particularly due to the need for a reliable power supply for some machinery. The company has invested in improving its access road to reduce dust and protect production quality. Investors discussed commercial solar power as a possible solution for manufacturers seeking greater energy reliability while controlling operating costs.
The engagements at the companies highlighted the financing needs of Ugandan businesses seeking to expand production, process raw materials locally, and access regional markets. For Equity Group, the roadshow aims to create direct connections between businesses, investors, buyers, and financial institutions. The initiative also seeks to support intra-African trade by helping Ugandan businesses identify new markets and investment opportunities.
As Uganda seeks to increase exports and retain more value from its agricultural and industrial output, enterprises such as Zigoti Coffee Works and RZ Innovations are positioning local production as a pathway to wider regional markets. The site visits demonstrated how financing, value addition, and access to regional markets can help local businesses move further up the production chain.
Key points
- Investors and business leaders from 10 countries participated in Equity Group's 2026 Uganda Trade and Investment Roadshow.
- Uganda's push to add value to its agricultural and manufactured products takes center stage as investors tour local enterprises.
- The roadshow aims to create direct connections between businesses, investors, buyers, and financial institutions to support intra-African trade.
