Uganda's exports to the European Union have nearly quadrupled over six years, increasing from approximately €500 million (Shs2.05 trillion) in 2019 to €1.8 billion (Shs7.38 trillion) in 2025, according to data from the Ministry of Finance. The growth signals expanding commercial ties as Uganda pursues its Tenfold Growth Strategy, which aims to grow the economy to US$500 billion by 2040.
Finance Minister Henry Musasizi said strengthening cooperation with France and other European partners could help the country attract investment, acquire modern technologies and connect domestic businesses to regional and international markets. "Strengthening cooperation with France and other European partners can help mobilise investment, facilitate technology transfer and create opportunities for Ugandan enterprises to participate in regional and international value chains," Musasizi said during a visit by French Ambassador Virginie Leroy. The government is particularly interested in partnerships supporting pharmaceutical manufacturing, steel production, dairy processing and value addition in coffee and other agricultural products.
In the 2025/26 financial year, Uganda's total exports of goods and services reached US$18.42 billion (Shs67.9 trillion), comprising merchandise exports worth US$15.75 billion (Shs58.1 trillion), the Ministry of Finance reported. Foreign direct investment reached US$3.24 billion (Shs11.95 trillion) in the same period. The French Development Agency has operated in Uganda since 1993 and has committed close to €1 billion (Shs4.1 trillion) to projects in the country since 1998, according to France's Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs.
Processing agricultural exports locally rather than shipping raw materials offers significant potential. Coffee could generate additional revenue through roasting and packaging, while the dairy industry could expand production of cheese, yoghurt and milk powder with longer shelf lives. Musasizi said development partners could support industrialisation through technology acquisition, joint ventures and public-private partnerships, giving Ugandan businesses access to modern production systems and expertise.
Converting growing trade relationships into new factories and higher-value exports will depend on Uganda's ability to attract and retain productive investment. Investors will assess infrastructure reliability, skilled worker availability, production costs and policy predictability, while Ugandan exporters seeking to expand in Europe must meet the market's quality, safety and sustainability requirements.