News in brief:
– Uganda is set to begin exporting processed milk and coffee to Nigeria, boosting African agricultural trade.
– The partnership aims to reduce reliance on European imports and strengthen intra-African commerce.
Uganda is set to begin exporting milk and coffee to Nigeria, strengthening trade ties within Africa, per details from a meeting between Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni and Nigeria’s former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
The move signals increased agricultural collaboration on the continent, which could benefit farmers in both countries and beyond.
Uganda produces 5.7 billion liters of milk annually, making it one of Africa’s top milk producers. However, many African countries, including Nigeria, have been importing milk from Europe instead of sourcing it locally.
Obasanjo emphasised the importance of intra-African trade, highlighting that Uganda’s milk could help meet Nigeria’s demand.
Both milk and coffee are key exports for Uganda. The country has a growing dairy industry and is one of Africa’s leading coffee exporters. Expanding the market to Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy, presents a major opportunity for Ugandan farmers and dairy companies, like Pearl Dairy Farms, which Obasanjo visited.
The Nigerian market could provide a much-needed boost to Uganda’s agricultural sector, encouraging more local production and reducing dependency on foreign imports.
Key challenges and solutions
One challenge Uganda faces is improving farming practices. President Museveni urged farmers to adopt zero-grazing methods and grow silage —fermented feed that boosts milk production— rather than relying on free-range grazing. This change could lead to higher milk yields and profits.
Uganda’s Minister of Animal Industry, Bright Rwamirama, also mentioned that the government is developing a vaccine to combat tick-borne diseases, which affect livestock and milk production.
Facts and data
- Uganda produces 5.7 billion liters of milk yearly.
- Uganda’s milk export value stands at $264.5 million.
- Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy, has been importing milk from Europe despite Uganda’s surplus.
This trade deal between Uganda and Nigeria is a significant step towards strengthening intra-African trade, which could reduce the continent’s reliance on foreign markets.
For farmers, this means increased demand for local products, better prices, and opportunities to expand production. African farmers can look forward to more collaboration and growth in agricultural exports, promoting self-sufficiency across the continent.
