Uganda's Strategic Leap into AfCFTA: Inaugurating the National Implementation Committee

Uganda's Strategic Leap into AfCFTA: Inaugurating the National Implementation Committee

• Blog
• October 26, 2025

In a resounding affirmation of Uganda's commitment to continental integration and economic prosperity, the Government of Uganda, through the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, has inaugurated the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) National Implementation Committee (NIC). This pivotal event marks a transformative milestone in our nation's pursuit of the vast opportunities presented by the AfCFTA agreement. As a multi-stakeholder body comprising 36 distinguished members drawn from government ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), regional bodies, the private sector, civil society, academia, and other key institutions the NIC stands poised to operationalize Uganda's AfCFTA National Implementation Strategy. Launched by His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in December 2024, this Uganda's AfCFTA Strategy 2024/25-2033/34 serves as our roadmap to harnessing the agreement's potential for inclusive growth and sustainable development.

The inauguration ceremony, held at a fitting venue in Kampala, was more than a procedural formality; it was a clarion call to action. Under the stewardship of the Ministry of Trade as chair, the committee's diverse composition reflects the inclusive ethos of the AfCFTA itself—a pan-African pact designed to unite 54 nations in a single market of over 1.3 billion people and a combined GDP exceeding $3.4 trillion. As I witnessed the proceedings, it was evident that this body is not merely advisory but executively empowered to drive tangible outcomes. From seasoned policymakers to innovative entrepreneurs and thought leaders from our universities, the NIC embodies the collaborative spirit essential for navigating the complexities of trade liberalization.

The Broader Implications for Uganda's AfCFTA Journey

The establishment of the NIC arrives at a critical juncture for Uganda. Since ratifying the AfCFTA in 2021 and commencing guided trade under the agreement in 2022, our country has been steadily aligning its trade architecture to capitalize on reduced tariffs, streamlined customs procedures, and enhanced market access. Yet, the true dividends—projected to boost intra-African trade by up to 52% by 2035, according to the African Union—hinge on robust domestic implementation. The NIC's formation directly addresses this imperative, signaling Uganda's proactive stance amid a continental landscape where only a fraction of member states have fully operationalized their strategies.

For Uganda's economy, the implications are profound and multifaceted. First, it fortifies our export diversification efforts. Agriculture, which accounts for over 70% of our workforce and a quarter of GDP, stands to gain immensely from duty-free access to markets like Nigeria and South Africa for coffee, tea, and horticultural products. The NIC will be instrumental in mitigating non-tariff barriers, such as sanitary and phytosanitary standards, ensuring our farmers and agro-processors can compete on a level playing field.

Second, the committee's mandate aligns seamlessly with Uganda's Vision 2040 and the Third National Development Plan (NDP III), which emphasize value addition and industrialization. By fostering public-private partnerships, the NIC can accelerate initiatives like the establishment of AfCFTA-compliant export processing zones and digital trade platforms. This is particularly vital for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which form the backbone of our economy but often lack the capacity to navigate international value chains. Enhanced SME participation could create thousands of jobs, reduce youth unemployment, and empower women-led businesses, thereby advancing gender-inclusive growth.

On a macroeconomic level, the NIC's work promises to bolster foreign exchange earnings and reduce our trade deficit, currently skewed toward imports from outside the continent. By promoting regional value chains such as integrating Ugandan textiles into East African manufacturing hubs, we can lower production costs and build resilience against global shocks, including supply chain disruptions from geopolitical tensions. Moreover, as climate change exacerbates vulnerabilities in our agrarian sector, the committee's inclusion of civil society and academia ensures that environmental sustainability and social safeguards remain integral to our trade agenda.

Yet, these gains are not without challenges. Implementation will demand vigilant oversight to protect nascent industries from import surges and to invest in skills development for a workforce adept at AfCFTA's demands. The NIC's inauguration underscores Uganda's resolve to surmount these hurdles, positioning us as a regional leader in trade integration.

Charting the Path Forward: How the NIC Should Accelerate Its Mandate

With its mandate freshly etched, the NIC must hit the ground running to translate strategy into swift, measurable action. Drawing from my diplomatic experience in fostering cross-border economic ties, I offer the following recommendations to propel the committee's early momentum:

1. Prioritize Quick-Win Initiatives: Begin with low-hanging fruit to build confidence and visibility. This could include a nationwide sensitization campaign on AfCFTA opportunities, targeting SMEs through workshops co-hosted by the Uganda Investment Authority and the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU). Simultaneously, fast-track the ratification of outstanding AfCFTA protocols on investment, competition, and intellectual property to unlock deeper integration.
2. Leverage Multi-Stakeholder Synergies: The NIC's strength lies in its diversity—capitalize on it. Establish thematic working groups, such as one on digital trade led by academia and tech innovators, and another on dispute resolution involving legal experts from civil society. Regular consultations with the East African Community (EAC) Secretariat will ensure alignment with regional agendas, preventing silos and amplifying Uganda's voice in continental forums.
3. Invest in Capacity Building and Monitoring: Allocate resources for training programs on AfCFTA rules of origin and export financing, partnering with institutions like the Uganda Revenue Authority and development partners such as the World Bank. Implement a robust monitoring and evaluation framework, using digital dashboards to track key performance indicators like export volumes and SME registrations under the agreement. Transparency in reporting will foster accountability and attract investor confidence.
4. Foster Innovation and Inclusivity: Encourage pilot projects that integrate emerging technologies, such as blockchain for traceability in agricultural exports. To ensure no one is left behind, prioritize marginalized groups rural producers, youth entrepreneurs, and women through targeted incentives like concessional credit lines.

By embracing these steps, the NIC can not only execute the National Implementation Strategy but also evolve it dynamically, adapting to evolving continental dynamics.

A Continent United, A Nation Empowered

The inauguration of Uganda's AfCFTA NIC is more than an administrative milestone; it is a beacon of ambition in an era of boundless African potential. As we stand on the threshold of a borderless market, this committee represents our collective resolve to weave Uganda's vibrant economy into the fabric of continental prosperity. Under President Museveni's visionary leadership, and with the collaborative energy of its members, the NIC is uniquely positioned to deliver on AfCFTA's promise: a Uganda that trades boldly, grows equitably, and leads inspiringly.

Let us rally behind this endeavor. The journey ahead demands our ingenuity, unity, and unyielding optimism. For in the words of our shared African renaissance, the future is not ours to see, but ours to build.

The author is an AfCFTA Trade Advisor, Economic and Commercial Diplomacy Practitioner with extensive experience in regional integration, digital diplomacy policy, and a passion for advancing Africa’s economic & regional integration. 

Disclaimer: This article reflects the author's views and do not necessarily represent the official position of any institution.