Business & Management
Exploring Africa’s Growth and Global Challenges: Participants rallied on effective utilization of resources, and adoption of green economy strategies
By Ritah Namisango and Monica Meeme
On 19th August 2025, the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) at Makerere University, hosted a public presentation titled “Africa’s Growth Trends and Prospects in Light of Evolving Global Challenges.”
Dr. Paul Mpuga, a visiting Scholar and Division Manager for Microeconomic Policy, Debt Sustainability, and Forecasting in the Economic Governance and Knowledge Management Vice-Presidency of the African Development Bank Group, delivered the presentation, which attracted both physical and virtual participants, comprising researchers, teaching staff, graduate, and undergraduate students.
The presentation covered critical topics including: Regional differences in growth performance and outlook, Inflation in Africa, Opportunities and Challenges to growth, emerging risks, and key policy recommendations.
The presentation provided valuable insights into the current economic challenges and opportunities facing Africa. His analysis highlighted the importance of sound policies, economic integration, and investment in key sectors such as education, infrastructure, and green growth. The discussion emphasized the need for collaboration among governments, the private sector, and academia to drive sustainable development and inclusive growth across the continent.
Welcoming the participants, Associate Professor Faisal Buyinza, the Acting Dean of the School of Economics, emphasized that Dr. Mpuga’s work is significant not only for his academic contributions, but also for his role as a mentor, having taught and influenced many of the current faculty members.
“His impressive career journey, which began at the World Bank’s Kampala office and later took him to Ethiopia and other countries, reflects his deep expertise in key economic roles across the continent,” said Associate Professor Buyinza. He disclosed that Dr. Mpuga’s extensive experience has significantly contributed to the development of macroeconomic design and policy skills, an asset particularly crucial as Uganda navigates current economic challenges.
In addition to his professional achievements, the Acting Dean of the School of Economics commended the humanitarian spirit of Dr. Mpuga, recalling how he used to share meals with street children in Uganda, reflecting his compassion and values beyond academia.
In his address, the College Principal, Prof. Edward Bbaale welcomed Prof. Mpuga back to Makerere University. “Dr. Mpuga is a former Lecturer. Today, he returns to the School of Economics, his academic home, to share with us, his versatile knowledge, experience and expertise on a topic crucial for Africa’s transformation,” said the Principal. He commended Dr. Mpuga’s decision to deliver the presentation, highlighting that such academic engagements are vital and should become a regular part of the College’s culture.
Reiterating the role of knowledge sharing and mentorship within the academic community, the Principal shared his personal testimony, acknowledging Dr. Mpuga’s pivotal role in his own academic journey. He recounted how Dr. Mpuga mentored him early in his career by including his name on a research project—an opportunity that opened doors to numerous collaborations, professional growth, and academic advancement.
The Principal called upon the staff and students present to embrace a culture of regular academic public presentations, such as lunch-hour sessions across the School of Economics, School of Business, and the School of Statistics and Planning. He noted the close connections between the disciplines, highlighting the potential for cross-disciplinary learning and collaboration. The Principal emphasized that as Makerere University implements its research agenda, sustained academic engagement is a key defining aspect of this identity.
Prof. Bbaale affirmed the College’s support for such initiatives, including modest research grants that have already enabled the publication of around 70 research papers, soon to be compiled under the CoBAMS Working Paper Series.
Expressing the commitment to this strategic approach, the College Principal used the opportunity to introduce Dr. Peter Babyenda, a Lecturer at the School of Economics, who was appointed as the College’s Policy Engagement Coordinator to support academic activities. Prof. Bbaale assured all in attendance of the maximum support for this initiative and encouraged active participation from everyone.
Beginning his presentation, Dr. Paul Mpuga, Division Manager at the African Development Bank, offered a comprehensive overview of Africa’s economic realities, challenges, and opportunities. He emphasized that economic progress is not driven by sentiment, but by certainty, sound policies, and strategic investment.
Using a simple analogy, Dr. Mpuga explained that a baker doesn’t bake bread unless they are sure it will sell. In the same way, investors and entrepreneurs, will only take risks in economies where policy certainty and confidence are assured. He underscored the urgent need for policy coherence and economic stability, both globally and within African nations.
Reiterating the importance of Domestic Revenue Mobilization, Dr. Mpuga noted that Africa’s average tax-to-GDP ratio stands at just 17%—significantly lower than the 25–28% seen in more advanced economies such as South Africa and Botswana. These countries are able to finance up to 90% of their expenditures through domestic revenues, a target that many others on the continent still struggle to achieve.
He underscored the urgent need for reforms in tax systems and public finance management to reduce the over-reliance on external borrowing. “Africa requires an estimated $150–$170 billion annually for infrastructure development, yet currently mobilizes only about $80 billion, leaving a funding gap of $70–$100 billion,” he stated.
Dr. Mpuga emphasized that infrastructure such as roads, energy, water systems, and transport is not a luxury, but a necessity for connecting production to markets and driving sustainable development.
He stated that youth unemployment remains alarmingly high, with 30–40% of African youth (aged 15–34) unemployed in some countries. “Many young people are not in education, employment, or training, leading to wasted talent and increasing social risks,” he highlighted. He emphasized the need for greater investment in skills development and education, noting that sustainable economic transformation depends on a well-equipped and empowered workforce.
Dr. Mpuga pointed out that economic integration and managed migration are strategies that can boost GDP growth, enhance policy stability, and reduce export concentration.
He noted that, despite being one of the regions most affected by climate change, Africa has made limited progress in green growth investments. “The continent is rich in natural resources, yet underutilized in terms of climate-smart development,” he stated.
He indicated a major opportunity gap, when he disclosed that the global green economy is valued at an estimated $3 trillion, but Africa’s private sector participation stands at only 14%.
He advocated for greater private sector involvement, the adoption of green infrastructure practices, and natural capital accounting to help African countries value, protect, and benefit from their resources.
For Africa to realise inclusive growth, Dr. Mpuga highlighted the following practical policy recommendations:
- Improving fiscal transparency and efficiency
- Strengthening tax administration using digital tools
- Aligning monetary and fiscal policy, especially around inflation targeting
- Building foreign reserves to cushion against shocks
- Ensuring debt is used for productive investments such as energy and infrastructure
- Accelerating structural reforms and economic diversification
- Promoting integrated infrastructure planning (for instance roads with energy and ICT links)
- Investing in value addition and agro-processing to uplift rural economies
Using a humorous reference to Uganda’s famous grasshopper delicacies, Dr. Mpuga illustrated the need for economic transformation, saying, “We need to move beyond traditional activities and create value chains that can package and export even local foods globally. We shouldn’t be running to donors every day when we sit on so much wealth,” he noted. “Let us value what we have, manage it well, and build a prosperous, united, and green Africa.”
Responding to the questions, Dr. Mpuga emphasized the importance of formalizing economies, strengthening trade links, and building public confidence through sound policy frameworks such as inflation targeting and social contracts. He cautioned against excessive reliance on Artificial Intelligence in academic and professional settings. “AI can be useful for checking work or assisting with calculations, but it cannot replace human thought, creativity, or critical reasoning,” he advised.
Dr. Mpuga mentioned the need for better monitoring and maintenance systems, such as ensuring broken streetlights are tracked and fixed, drawing attention to practical governance concerns that affect everyday life.
Monica Meeme contributed to this story as a Guest Writer
Business & Management
Brewing Innovation: 9th Annual Youth Expo showcases enterprises in Uganda’s coffee value chain
By Ritah Namisango and Monica Meeme
On 17th October 2025, the Makerere University Freedom Square was a beehive of activity as over 600 students from the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) participated in the 9th Annual Innovation and Youth Expo.
Organized by the Makerere University Entrepreneurship and Outreach Centre, the 2025 Innovation and Youth Expo, focused on Uganda’s most strategic Agricultural sector – COFFEE.
Under the theme, Brewing Prosperity: Youth Entrepreneurship in Uganda’s Coffee Value Chain, student entrepreneurs exhibited more than 300 innovations including youth coffee brands, brewing demonstrations, agri-tech prototypes, live cupping sessions, among others.
The Youth Expo focused on amplifying youth-led innovations across the entire coffee value chain—from farm to cup, providing a hands-on, interactive platform for young entrepreneurs to exhibit their products, prototypes, and business ideas, while engaging directly with industry stakeholders.
By placing the youth at the center of the value chain, the Youth Expo demonstrated the untapped potential of innovation, creativity, and enterprise among Uganda’s next generation of entrepreneurs.
Student innovations for real-world impact:
The Director of the Makerere University Entrepreneurship and Outreach Centre, Dr. Sarah Bimbona, urged students to view their innovations not just as academic projects, but as the starting point for real-world impact.
“These innovations should not just end here or be seen as projects for marks. Continue nurturing those dreams, take them further, and make them a reality,” she advised.
She recognized the critical role of faculty and mentors, specifically appreciating them for their tireless support in guiding students through their innovation undertakings.
Dr. Bimbona emphasized the importance of linking academic learning with practical enterprise, highlighting that student-led innovations have the potential to create meaningful economic and social change.
Students encouraged to embrace entrepreneurship:
The Dean, School of Business, Associate Professor Godfrey Akileng specified that entrepreneurship is one of the flagship initiatives of the College of Business and Management Sciences. He encouraged the students to seize the moment. “This is your opportunity to showcase your innovations, to interact with industry players, and to change your mindset from job-seekers to job creation,” he said. “Let the entrepreneurship Expo awaken a new spirit in you-one that says-yes, I can make it.”
Associate Professor Akileng cited the story of Bill Gates as an example of what determination and innovation can achieve, reminding the students that greatness often starts from simple beginnings. “There is no reason we cannot build something extraordinary from coffee and other local products,” he stated, emphasizing the value of entrepreneurship in national transformation.
The Dean, School of Business, expressed deep appreciation to the industry partners for their collaboration and generosity. “You have invested time, knowledge and financial support to be here. Thank you for supporting the Entrepreneurship Congress and Expo,” he remarked.
BRAC Uganda participates in the Expo:
The Communications Officer of BRAC Uganda, Ms. Barbra Ampaire, stressed that BRAC aims to equip youth with the tools and knowledge to discover and maximize their potential.
“We have supported thousands of youth through tailored programs in areas such as tailoring, livestock farming, agribusiness, financial literacy, and value addition. These initiatives are supported not just with training, but also with seed capital, equipment, and ongoing mentorship,” she said.
Ms. Ampaire noted that Makerere University, being a hub for students and young innovators, aligns perfectly with BRAC’s focus on empowering youth while they are still developing their ideas and ambitions.
A case for domestic consumption and local processing:
One of the participants from the BRAC Scholar Transition Fund, Mr. Godwin Birungi, emphasized the need for domestic consumption and local processing, highlighting that exporting raw coffee reduces employment opportunities and stunts economic growth.
“When we consume and process our coffee locally, we not only improve public health, but also create jobs and stimulate our economy.”
He encouraged young entrepreneurs to embrace patience, maintain consistency in their efforts, and stay focused on their goals, emphasizing that building a successful and sustainable business is a gradual process that requires dedication and resilience.
“Building a sustainable business takes time. Many successful entrepreneurs spent over a decade before making a profit. Find your passion, refine your strategy, and stay the course.” he said.
Student entrepreneurs speak out:
The Marketing Manager of Victory Cakes students’ enterprise, Ms. Keziah Nasenga, explained that the team offers two main product variations including coffee cupcakes with icing and those without, catering to different customer preferences.
She noted that the cupcakes are crafted using brewed coffee mixed with hot water, then blended with traditional baking ingredients such as flour, vanilla, and other flavor-enhancing components.
A student from the Ring Hair Stimulator group, Ms. Martha Alwe, said their product is a premium hair care solution designed to promote healthy hair growth, prevent breakage and hair loss in women, and enhance beard growth in men through a specialized beard oil.
“The full product line includes beard growth oil, hair shock treatment, hair spray, leave-in conditioner, and hair growth shampoo each carefully developed to address a wide range of hair care needs with quality and effectiveness,” she said.
The Marketing Manager of the team of Coffee Cupcake, Ms. Catherine Nasaazi, explained that the shampoo is enriched with sodium benzoate, tea tree oil, and other ingredients.
Precursor to the Youth Expo:
The 3rd Uganda Entrepreneurship Congress held on 16th October 2025 at Makerere University Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, provided a perfect transition into the 9th Annual Makerere University Youth Expo held on 17th October 2025 at the Freedom Square.
During the Uganda Entrepreneurship Congress, students listened to lived experiences and case presentations from young, mid-level and senior entrepreneurs. The panelists who discussed topics on Market Readiness, Value Addition and Story Telling, as well as, Financing the Future, enlightened the students and upcoming entrepreneurs to creating impact, access to markets and capital, and breaking the barriers in a competitive world.
The students gained valuable knowledge from the Chief Guest-Mr. Odrek Rwabwogo, Chair of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development, and the Keynote Speaker- Mr. Moses Nyabila, CEO of aBi Development Ltd.
Mr. Rwabwogo challenged the young entrepreneurs to think beyond Uganda’s borders, when he highlighted that true entrepreneurship lies in producing goods that can compete on the international market.
“When you build a business that can sell in another person’s market, you are a hero or heroine because what you have done is disrupting the status quo, which praises imports over exports. In this country, for instance in Kikuubo business area, you hear statements such as my container is about to reach Uganda, and not my container is leaving the yard in Uganda and is taking avocado to Spain or another country. I want the language to change.”
Partners of the Uganda Entrepreneurship Congress and Youth Expo: Makerere University (Mak), Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), National Coffee Research Initiative (NaCORI), BRAC Uganda, Tooke, Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, Vision Group, Mountain Harvest, Pepsi, Rainforest Alliance, Sumz, and the Banana Industrial Research & Development Centre.
Writers: Ritah Namisango, Principal Communication Officer at Makerere University & Monica Meeme, a student of Bachelor of Journalism and Communication at Makerere University.
Business & Management
Makerere University Young Entrepreneurs urged to prioritize value addition to enhance their innovation
![[L-R] Dr.Godfrey Akileng - Dean School of Business, Prof. Sarah N. Ssali - Ag. Vice Chancellor, Chief Guest - Mr. Odrek Rwabwogo, and Gordon Katwirenabo-Assistant Commissioner, Quality Assurance and Value Addition, MAAIF at the Congress.](https://news.mak.ac.ug/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Entreprenuership-Congress-2025.jpg)
Young entrepreneurs from Makerere University have been urged to focus on value addition, quality and branding if their innovations are to grow into sustainable businesses in the country.
The call was made by several speakers during the opening of the two-day Uganda Entrepreneurship Congress and Youth Expo (16th to 17th October 2025) hosted by Makerere University College of Business and Management Sciences, under the theme, Brewing Prosperity: Youth Entrepreneurship in Uganda’s Coffee Value Chain.
The annual event serves as a national platform for youth, entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and private sector leaders to unlock youth-driven innovation.
The entrepreneurship congress and expo features over 600 students from the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) showcasing more than 300 innovations, with a spotlight on the coffee sector. The expo is among the several initiatives that the University has launched to unlock the entrepreneurship potential of students and youth in Uganda.
According to Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, the move was motivated by the high levels of youth unemployment in the country, which currently stands at 16.1 percent for those aged 18 to 30 (Uganda Bureau of Statistics, 2024).
Addressing the participants during the Entrepreneurship Congress, the Chief Guest-Mr. Odrek Rwabwogo, Chair of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development, rallied students and youth to embrace entrepreneurship.
“Education can come from strange places. Everyone has gifts, talents, abilities and resources to utilize. In a country with many unmet needs, entrepreneurship is about what you change, he said.
Mr. Rwabwogo stressed the value of local innovation. “Not everything can be commercialised especially in a country that imports 90% of what it consumes. Identify needs that outsiders will never cater for-our language, culture, and food. Those are unique strengths, he remarked.
Mr. Rwabwogo challenged the young entrepreneurs to think beyond Uganda’s borders, when he highlighted that true entrepreneurship lies in producing goods that can compete on the international market.
“When you build a business that can sell in another person’s market, you are a hero or heroine because what you have done is disrupting the status quo, which praises import. In this country, for instance in Kikuubo business area, you hear statements such as my container is about to reach Uganda, and not my container is leaving the yard in Uganda and is taking Ovocado to Spain or another country. I want the language to change.”
Representing the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University – Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Professor Sarah Ssali noted that the expo comes at a time when youth unemployment stands at 16.1 percent, which informs the university’s move to challenge this growing reality.
“I am glad to note that Makerere University continues to champion innovations and turning graduates from job seekers into job creators, and champions of societal transformation. The expo is Makerere’s attempt to strategically locate itself in the conversation around coffee being the biggest export earner in the country,” she said.
Statistics indicate that Uganda exported 667,037 kilograms of coffee worth US$162.36 million, highlighting the sector’s importance to the economy and its role as a key foreign exchange earner. Despite this, most youth are excluded from high-value segments of the coffee value chain, such as processing, branding, and export, often remaining confined to low-income farm labor.
According to Professor Ssali, this disconnect represents both a critical risk and an unprecedented opportunity. The expo, therefore, serves as a national platform for youth, entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and private sector leaders to unlock youth-driven innovation across the coffee value chain, from climate-smart farming and agri-tech to processing, branding, and global market access.
She believes that by moving beyond subsistence farming towards ownership, innovation, and high value enterprises, the youth in Uganda can secure a greater share of the global coffee market while catalyzing job creation and sustainable development.
Dr. Sarah Bimbona, Director of the Makerere University Entrepreneurship and Outreach Centre, said several of the innovations on display have the potential to be scaled into viable enterprises. She added that these new ventures would build on the success of over 150 companies that emerged from previous editions of the entrepreneurship expo.
Dr. Bimbona used the golden opportunity to highlight three requests for support. She appealed for support, noting that the Centre has spent nine years nurturing over 1,000 business ideas annually, yet the impact of these ideas remains difficult to measure due to lack of resources for tracer studies. Commending Mr. Rwabwogo for accepting to become the Patron of the Centre, Dr. Bimbona requested him to amplify the Centre’s reach and support for youth, women and broader economic development.
On opening opportunities, the Centre offers guidance to entrepreneurs free of charge and seeks partnerships to connect student ideas with the industry. “We have the expertise and experience. We just need that extra push to remain relevant in the business community,” she stated.
Dr. Bimbona reiterated the transformative power of mentorship that is provided through the Makerere University Entrepreneurship and Outreach Centre.
The Dean, School of Business, Associate Professor Godfrey Akileng specified that entrepreneurship is one of the flagship initiatives of the College of Business and Management Sciences. He encouraged the students to seize the moment. “This is your opportunity to showcase your innovations, to interact with industry players, and to change your mindset from job-seekers to job creation,” he said. “Let the entrepreneurship congress awaken a new spirit in you-one that says-yes, I can make it.”
Associate Professor Akileng cited the story of Bill Gates as an example of what determination and innovation can achieve, reminding the students that greatness often starts from simple beginnings. “There is no reason we cannot build something extraordinary from coffee and other local products,” he stated, emphasizing the value of entrepreneurship in national transformation.
The Dean, School of Business, expressed deep appreciation to the industry partners for their collaboration and generosity. “You have invested time, knowledge and financial support to be here. Thank you for supporting the Entrepreneurship Congress and Expo,” he remarked.
Associate Professor Akileng commended Dr. Sarah Bimbona, and the entire entrepreneurship team namely Dr. Cathy Mbidde, Dr. Kasimu Sendawula, Dr. Hanifah Nantale, Dr. Marion Nanyanzi, and Mr. Luke Muhwezi for nurturing student entrepreneurs at Makerere University.
The entrepreneurship congress featured a keynote address, and two panels focusing on: Market Readiness, Value Addition and Story Telling, as well as, Financing the Future.
The Keynote Speaker, Mr. Moses Nyabila, CEO of aBi Development Ltd, urged the government and private sector to establish an export fund to support young entrepreneurs in starting their businesses.
Mr. Nyabila explained that the fund would help young entrepreneurs launch simple start-ups that have the potential to grow into larger enterprises. The fund, he noted, would not only support production, but also empower entrepreneurs to handle basic packaging and export processes. According to him, such an initiative represents a critical form of value addition.
Mr. Nyabila added that such initiatives would help challenge the current status quo, which prioritizes imports over exports. He used the expo as a platform to call on the government to shift the national mindset toward building Uganda’s presence in the global export market.
During the panel discussions, contributors discussed several steps through which the young entrepreneurs can be equipped with skills that can help them to join the competitive market.
Some of the panelists included: Bob Paul Lusembo-Head of Business Growth, BRAC Uganda Bank, Geoffrey Okidi-Financial Deepening Uganda, Nakabuye Flavia Bwire- Inclusion and Microfinance Specialist, and Sectrine Muganzi-Coffee Farmer and Youth Entrepreneur.
Other panelists included Jackline Arinda Akampwera-CEO Jada Coffee, Gordon Katwirenabo-Assistant Commissioner, Quality Assurance and Value Addition, MAAIF, Edwin Danze- Head of Marketing, Next Media Group, and Godwin Birungi- Founder, Rubungi Enterprises.
The different Speakers acknowledged that while Uganda has no shortage of innovations, gaps in value addition and branding continue to undermine product competitiveness, reinforcing the stereotype that Ugandan products are of poor quality.
One of the panelists, Jackline Arinda Akampwera, CEO of Jada Coffee, noted that branding strongly influences perceptions of quality. In the same development, she argued that limited branding is also largely responsible for the misconception that Ugandan products are substandard.
“We have this perception that when we see a brand on a billboard, it must be of good quality. Branding is therefore central to entrepreneurship,” Arinda said. “In Uganda, there’s limited branding and value addition, which affects the marketability of our products,” she said
Arinda shared that before she joined the coffee business, she realized Uganda had no widely recognized coffee brands, despite being a top coffee producer. This inspired her to create a brand that would appeal even to non-coffee drinkers.
“You don’t have to be a coffee consumer to know coffee brands—just like you don’t have to be a football fan to know who Ronaldo is,” she said. “That’s what branding does. Even if people don’t drink coffee, they should know that Jada Coffee exists. I came in to change the way the market operates.”
She added that this lack of branding also explains the low domestic consumption of coffee. To address this, Arinda began introducing coffee at social functions—events that traditionally only offered juices and sodas—as part of efforts to popularize local coffee consumption.
Gordon Katwirenabo, Assistant Commissioner, QA and Value Addition, MAAIF agreed with Arinda. He stated that the government is very intentional in promoting value addition to the country’s produces.
“Value addition is very prominent in our policy framework. If you produce and get only money for production, then there is no value, and then you cannot achieve the economic importance and transformation that we need in our communities. So, through that were are very intentional in supporting value addition,” he said.
On his part, Godwin Birungi, Founder, Rubungi Enterprises noted that while branding is very important, branding alone is not enough if the products themselves lack quality. He argued that the two—branding and quality, must reinforce each other for a business to thrive.
“I realized that there is a need to be consistent in producing high quality products. The more you produce high quality, the more you lift your brand,” he said
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