[Uganda] Sow the seeds of success! Networking Session held in Uganda for Japanese companies in the field of agricultural business and JICA Long-term and Short-term Training Program ex-participants.

JICA Uganda organized an agricultural business study tour, which was attended by four Japanese companies who visited Uganda. As part of the tour, a networking session was held on December 7, 2023, in Kampala, the capital of Uganda, between Japanese companies and five JICA long-term and short-term training ex-participants in the agricultural sector from Uganda. This was the second networking session between Japanese companies and JICA training ex-participants, and there was a heated discussion about the potential of Japanese companies’ agricultural business in Uganda ¹.

In the presentations by each ex-participant of the JICA training, some of the Japanese agricultural technologies and insights that seem applicable to Uganda were highlighted; such as the introduction of digital technologies and small-scale agricultural machinery, the establishment of agricultural cooperatives to strengthen the connections among farmers, and the enhancement of the market distribution system for agricultural products. In addition, as advice to Japanese companies considering expanding their business to Uganda, the ex-participants emphasized the importance of finding local business partners to overcome the barriers of language and customs, conducting thorough preliminary research to understand the market, and participating in technology exhibitions. In response to the ex-participant’s advice, Japanese companies asked many questions regarding the current state of irrigated agriculture in Uganda, needs for agricultural machinery, and conducting market research so as to deeply understand the needs and issues in the field. The ex-participants also suggested how they can assist Japanese companies in expanding their business, and the building of relationships that will lead to support for the future business development of Japanese companies was underlined.

The event was followed by presentations from four Japanese companies which shared their business overviews and ideas for business prospects in Uganda. For the Japanese companies, the session was a valuable opportunity to learn the current situation, challenges of agriculture, and the business environment in Uganda, by receiving advice from the ex-participants on how to link their business prospects with the local needs. It was also a precious occasion for them to find navigators, who are essential for business development in Uganda, through exchanging business cards with the ex-participants. On the other hand, it was a fascinating chance for the ex-participants to practice their role as “bridges” for connecting Japan and Uganda as well as to share what they learned to society.

At the end of the program, there were lively exchanges of ideas on the development of agricultural business in Uganda and the potential for Japanese companies to expand their business in Uganda. The session created opportunities for attendees to deepen relationships each other.

JICA contributes to fostering more human resources who can bridge Africa and Japan through continuous support for the ex-participants of JICA long-term and short-term training programs, especially the ABE Initiative, and enhancing their network and collaboration with Japanese companies.

Name of the event: Networking session between Japanese companies and JICA long-term and short-term training ex-participants in the field of agricultural business
Date: December 7, 2023
Organizer: JICA Uganda Office
Venue: Fairway Hotel, Kampala, Republic of Uganda

Mr. AYELLA Paul (ABE 3rd batch): Presentation online
Ms. NAKIYAGA Solome (Knowledge Co-Creation Program (KCCP) FY2022 on “Development of Core Agricultural Researchers for Promotion of Rice Cultivation in Sub-Saharan Africa”)
Mr. SSENYONGA Peter Balyejusa (Agri-Net FY2019)
Ms. TUMWEBAZE Maria Agnes (ABE 4th batch)
Mr. SSEMWOGERERE Jonah (KCCP FY2021 on “Rainfed Rice Cultivation, Seed Production and Variety Selection Techniques”)

Mr. Takashi Nishimura (SANKO INDUSTRIES CO., LTD.)
Mr. Mikio Oyama (MOL Shipping (Kenya) Ltd.)
Mr. Yoshimitsu Tsukada (NPO Future Bearers Support Organization/ MIRAITE)
Mr. Daisuke Noritomi (Ebara Pumps East Africa)

JICA implements long-term training programs for the development of industrial human resources, administrative officials, young researchers, etc., and short-term training programs for the development of government human resources that contribute to solving the problems faced by developing countries. This networking session was held in a bid to build a network between the ex-participants of ABE Initiative, Agri-Net, and KCCP in the field of agriculture and Japanese companies visiting Uganda.

*Year 2023 is the 10th anniversary of the ABE Initiative.