THE HAGUE, Netherlands — The Embassy of Uganda in Brussels has launched a high-level trade mission to the Netherlands focused on securing Dutch technical expertise to accelerate Uganda’s transition to value-added agricultural production.
The five-day mission, organized alongside the Netherlands-African Business Council, signals a strategic pivot for Uganda as it seeks to move beyond subsistence farming toward a technology-driven, industrial economy. Officials are specifically targeting Dutch leadership in animal genetics, greenhouse technologies and integrated supply chain management to modernize sectors including poultry, dairy, horticulture and cocoa.
Mirjam Blaak, Uganda’s ambassador to Brussels, said the government is prioritizing a socio-economic transformation that requires sophisticated innovation and investment.
“Achieving this transformation requires reliable and committed partners who can contribute knowledge, innovation, value addition and investment,” Blaak said.
The Netherlands is the world’s second-largest agricultural exporter and serves as Uganda’s primary source of foreign direct investment, accounting for 59 percent of the total share. Ugandan officials believe integrating Dutch technology into local production will allow the country to secure higher returns on its agricultural exports.
Blaak described the mission as a vital platform for Ugandan companies to identify practical cooperation opportunities that lean on the efficiency of Dutch agricultural systems.
“This trade mission offers Ugandan companies a valuable opportunity to explore the Dutch market and, in doing so, to deepen collaboration between Uganda and the Netherlands, particularly in the agribusiness and horticulture sectors,” Blaak said.
The delegation is scheduled to visit several Dutch agricultural hubs to observe innovative farming practices firsthand. These site visits are designed to showcase how technology-driven systems can be adapted to the Ugandan context to increase productivity and meet international standards.
The mission will conclude with a high-level seminar intended to formalize technical cooperation and business ties. Blaak said she expects the engagement to lead to lasting partnerships that will integrate Dutch innovation into Uganda’s agribusiness landscape, ensuring a more productive and globally competitive agricultural sector.
