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
Kampala, Uganda – December 19, 2025 — The Environment for Development (EfD) Uganda Centre at Makerere University has taken stock of its 2025 achievements and outlined its strategic direction for 2025–2029, with a strong focus on energy transition, climate change, and sustainable natural resource management.
The reflections were shared during the Centre’s annual end-of-year celebration, which brought together members of the EfD Steering Committee, deans from the School of Economics and the School of Agricultural Sciences, government officials, private sector actors, civil society organisations, researchers, and students.
Interdisciplinary Foundation Strengthens Impact
Addressing stakeholders, EfD Uganda Director, Professor Edward Bbaale, highlighted the Centre’s progress in institutional development, research, policy engagement, and capacity building. While acknowledging challenges encountered during the year, he noted that these provided valuable lessons as the Centre transitions into a new strategic phase under the EfD Strategic Plan (2025–2029).
Prof. Bbaale underscored the Centre’s unique positioning within Makerere University, noting that it is jointly anchored in the School of Economics and the School of Agricultural Sciences. This interdisciplinary foundation, he said, enables EfD Uganda to address complex development challenges such as energy transition, climate change, water resources, forestry, biodiversity, and agriculture from a holistic perspective.
“This approach aligns with Makerere University’s policy on research institutes and reflects global trends that increasingly demand cross-disciplinary collaboration,” he said.
He further highlighted existing academic synergies, with PhD students in Economics and Agricultural Economics sharing coursework, and announced the launch of a Master of Science in Environment and Natural Resource Economics, recently approved by the National Council for Higher Education. The programme, jointly developed by faculty from both schools, is expected to strengthen training in environmental economics and natural resource management.
Strategic Direction for 2025–2029
Prof. Bbaale unveiled the Centre’s strategic plan for 2025–2029, anchored on six thematic areas: energy transition; climate change adaptation and mitigation; climate-smart agriculture; water resources management; forestry and biodiversity; and environmental quality.
He noted that climate change remains a cross-cutting issue across all themes, adding that EfD Uganda will continue to work closely with stakeholders to ensure its research informs national policy and practical interventions.
Over the next five years, the Centre’s research will focus on land use and biodiversity conservation, climate-smart agriculture, climate change adaptation and mitigation, and energy transition-areas expected to generate evidence-based solutions for Uganda and the wider region.
Key stakeholders identified for collaboration include the National Planning Authority, the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (Climate Finance Unit), the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, the Ministry of Water and Environment, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, and district local governments.
Major Achievements in 2025
Prof. Bbaale reported that the Centre concentrated its efforts on the three pillars of Makerere University: research, policy engagement, and training.
Policy Engagement
The Centre organised two high-level dialogues on climate-smart agriculture and a policy dialogue on e-mobility under the Inclusive Green Economy (IGE) programme.
“We chose e-mobility because it is a green mode of transport,” Prof. Bbaale said. “Through the IGE programme, we worked with senior civil servants and policymakers to explore how Uganda can transition to a greener economy.”
The programme also facilitated cross-country peer learning among Ethiopia, Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda. He cited Rwanda’s rapid electrification of motorcycles through taxation and subsidies, and Tanzania’s success in universal rural electrification, as key lessons.
Capacity Building
The Centre conducted more than ten training sessions for fellows, researchers, policymakers, and graduate students. It also recruited a funded postdoctoral fellow Dr. Gemeda Olani Akuma. from Ethiopia, to work on natural capital issues.
“Postdoctoral fellows are critical to knowledge generation,” Prof. Bbaale noted. “If Makerere strengthens its postdoctoral programme, our research output will more than triple.”
He referenced benchmarking visits to South African universities with strong postdoctoral systems, noting that Makerere is steadily moving toward becoming a research-led institution.
New Projects and Institutional Growth
EfD Uganda launched five new projects and expanded its institutional partnerships during the year. These included Sida-funded initiatives, a consultancy with GIZ, the Centre’s first MakRIF-funded project, and grants from the Gates Foundation and the Carnegie Corporation.
In institutional development, the Centre inaugurated 13 new advisory board members, strengthening governance and oversight. Prof. Bbaale also introduced the Centre’s core staff, praising their dedication and commitment to capacity building, including the mentorship of interns and teaching assistants some of whom have since joined institutions such as the Bank of Uganda.
Strengthening National and International Engagement
The Centre deepened collaboration with national institutions, including the National Planning Authority, the Ministry of Finance, Parliament, and the National Water and Sewerage Corporation. Among ongoing initiatives is a study aimed at improving bill payments at the utility to unlock new investments and service improvements.
EfD Uganda is also working with district local governments to build capacity in environmental valuation and natural capital accounting, supported by MakRIF funding from the Government of Uganda.. Trainings were conducted for districts in central Uganda and in Fort Portal.
At the international level, the Centre hosted visiting scholars, including Prof. Edwin Mchapondwa from the University of Cape Town, who trained government officials on community-based conservation, and Prof. Mark Purdon from the University of Montreal, who launched a book on carbon markets.
EfD’s Natural Capital Accounting Model Adopted by Government
A major highlight was the development of a natural capital accounting model, supported by GIZ and now adopted by the Ministry of Water and Environment. The Excel-based MoneyCap model, developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, UBOS, and the National Planning Authority, supports policy assessment by comparing investment scenarios in natural capital.
“This places us at another level,” Prof. Bbaale said, noting that the model aligns with global climate finance discourse and Africa’s emerging coalition of finance ministers for climate action.
Prof. Bbaale warned that Uganda’s agriculture sector must urgently adapt to climate realities, citing erratic rainfall and rising temperatures. He stressed that climate-smart agriculture is critical to safeguarding livelihoods and food security.
The Centre also celebrated the graduation of a new cohort of Inclusive Green Economy Fellows, supported by Sida, and announced five new grants, including a Carnegie-funded project on household and SME energy efficiency and a grant for climate-sensitive macroeconomic modelling and the Makerere Research and Innovation Fund (MakRIF) from the Government of Uganda
Commitment to Policy-Relevant Research
In his concluding remarks, Prof. Bbaale reaffirmed EfD Uganda’s mission to generate research that delivers practical solutions for policymakers and communities.
“Our work asks a fundamental question: how much natural capital are we depleting in the pursuit of growth?” he said. “That is the frontier we are working on.”
He thanked the Centre’s team for their dedication and contributions throughout the year.
Centre Reaffirms Commitment to Collaboration
Dr. Peter Babyenda, Policy Engagement Specialist, reaffirmed EfD Uganda’s commitment to collaboration with policymakers, academia, civil society, and the media.
“Policy engagement includes working with the media,” Dr. Babyenda said. “We remain open to partnerships and invite stakeholders to engage with us.”
He thanked participants for attending the annual reflection event and encouraged continued networking.
Jane Anyango is the Communication Officer, EfD-Mak Centre
December 18, 2025 – Coming after the successful completion of the examination season, and as the year comes to an end, the afternoon, evening and night hours of 18th December 2025, presented the best opportunity, to staff to reflect on the 2025 College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) achievements in a relaxed environment.
The ever-green Makerere University Guest House gardens provided comfort as staff continued to enjoy this lovely space situated on the Makerere University Main Campus.
The event brought together the Principal, Deputy Principal, Deans of the respective Schools, Heads of Department, academic, administrative, technical and support staff, as well as guests, in a mix of celebration, networking, and recognition.
The end of year staff get-together provided a platform to strengthen collegial relationships, and reflect on the College’s future direction. In the true sense of networking, the event also featured dance competitions amongst staff.
Recognition of CoBAMS staff who received the Vice Chancellor’s Excellence Awards 2025
A key highlight of the event featured recognition of the ten (10) members of staff from CoBAMS who received the Vice Chancellor’s Excellence Award 2025. These included: Early Career Scholar Category-Namugenyi Christabellah and Dr. Richard Ssempala, Mid-Career Scholar Category-Dr. Peter Kisaakye, Dr. Anthony Tibaingana, Dr. John A. Mushomi, and Dr. Kasimu Ssendawula, Senior Career Scholar Category-Dr. Stephen O. Wandera, and the Best Teachers Category-Dr. Patricia Ndugga, Dr. Faisal Buyinza and Mr. Fred Kasalirwe.
Presenting the CoBAMS Awards amidst applause from members of staff, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs)-Prof.Sarah Ssali flanked by the Deputy Principal of the College, Associate Professor James Wokadala read a special message: “Your dedication elevates the standards of the College of Business and Management Sciences and brings distinction to Makerere University.”
Collective Achievements and Strategic Priorities
Professor Edward Bbaale, Principal of CoBAMS, in his end-of-year message, acknowledged the dedication of all staff and their contributions to the college’s success. “I sincerely thank all colleagues across our academic, research, administrative, and support units for your relentless dedication to advancing the mandate of the College. Your collective efforts remain the backbone of our success and institutional resilience,” he said.
Prof. Bbaale highlighted notable achievements in research and publications, congratulating staff who received the Vice Chancellor’s Excellence Awards and Best Teacher Awards. “These achievements reflect individual distinction and collective pride for our College. I encourage you to sustain this excellent performance,” he said. He further recognised faculty who secured research grants from Mak-RIF, international development partners including the Gates Foundation, UN-PAGE, GGGI, the World Bank, and Erasmus+, noting that such successes reflect growing global trust in CoBAMS scholarship.
The Principal underscored the college’s role in fostering institutional growth and partnerships. “I appreciate colleagues who have initiated and advanced Memoranda of Understanding with domestic and international partners. These platforms strengthen relevant academic training, impactful research, and policy engagement,” he said.
He highlighted new academic programs responsive to Uganda’s economic and societal needs, emphasising the college’s forward-looking and development-oriented approach.
Prof. Bbaale praised initiatives promoting staff welfare and cohesion, including the CoBAMS Physical Fitness Programme and the Mak-CoBAMS SACCO.
On infrastructure development, the Principal noted, “Government has allocated resources to commence the CoBAMS Infrastructure Expansion Project, and the University Council has approved two strategically located plots of land for its implementation. We shall actively engage the design consultant to ensure the buildings meet our teaching, research, innovation, and policy-engagement needs.”
He concluded his remarks by acknowledging life’s challenges alongside successes, extending condolences to staff who lost loved ones in 2025 and seasonal greetings: “As we step into 2026, I wish you and your families a year filled with God’s abundant blessings, good health, professional fulfilment, and personal joy. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all.”
DVC Academic Affairs praises Research, Innovation, and Integrity
The Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Professor Sarah Ssali, praised CoBAMS for its contribution to Makerere University’s strategic goals.
She extended warm greetings from the university management, including the Vice Chancellor, and underscored the importance of every staff member’s role. “Whatever role you play, you are adding a brick to this institution, just as those before us did,” she said.
Prof. Ssali highlighted the college’s research-led initiatives, emphasizing the importance of postgraduate and doctoral programs as a pipeline for academic excellence. “I commend CoBAMS for taking this seriously. Your work reflects the university’s strategic direction and internationalisation,” she said.
She noted the recent launch of the CoBAMS Working Paper Series and encouraged its development into four journals in economics, business, statistics, and planning in the near future. “This will allow graduate students to actively contribute, mentoring the next generation of scholars while strengthening Africa’s knowledge production and decolonising knowledge,” she explained.
The DVC Academic Affairs acknowledged CoBAMS for innovative approaches to research and value addition. “During the Entrepreneurship Expo, your work with coffee demonstrated how one thematic area can generate multiple products—from coffee oil to bath scrubs—showing creativity and value addition. Similarly, demography and population studies contribute crucial expertise, from census data to electoral processes,” she said.
Prof. Ssali encouraged the college to document and develop indigenous knowledge systems. “Your role as a college is to study local economic models, explore African-informed business and economic practices, and produce scholarship that reflects local realities,” she said.
She congratulated faculty members who secured research grants, published in peer-reviewed journals, or served as editors, noting that these achievements reflect both individual excellence and the academic culture of CoBAMS.
Reflecting on the Professor Emmanuel Tumusiime-Mutebile Centre of Excellence at Makerere University and the research promoted by the Tumusiime Mutebile Foundation, Prof. Ssali called for rigorous development of the initiative. “While research chairs focus on individual scholarship, Centres of Excellence build pipelines of knowledge for future generations, preserving the legacy of scholars namely Dr Mutebile in monetary policy, finance, and banking,” she said.
Networking and Teamwork
In his address, Associate Professor James Wokadala, the Deputy Principal of CoBAMS, emphasized the importance of networking and teamwork. “Today is a day for networking. This is a time to connect socially, celebrate, and reaffirm our commitment to serve Makerere University and, specifically, our College.”
He applauded staff for supporting the college’s teaching, learning, research, and student mentorship activities. He highlighted CoBAMS’ innovative initiatives, including the CoBAMS SACCO and the CoBAMS fitness club, which promote teamwork, wellness, and collegiality.
He thanked the event organisers for their efforts and acknowledged those who have supported administrative processes, such as fast-tracking promotion applications. He called upon staff to continue collaborating to serve Makerere University, the nation, and humanity.
Staff Appreciate the get-together moments
Charmed by the spirit of celebration, dance competitions amongst staff, and the choice of trending music, a significant number of staff stayed at the venue until the party came to a complete stop at 10:00p.m.
The following day (19th December 2025), the rejuvenated staff took to the College WhatsApp platform, and wrote messages, acknowledging being refreshed, feeling nice and young again. They requested the College leadership to plan for more of such engagements that promote teamwork, collegiality and good health.
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