Uganda Seeks $400 Million for Growth: Agriculture and Transport at the Core
- Derry Thornalley

- Sep 9
- 2 min read
Updated: Sep 11
Uganda is making a strategic move. The government has confirmed it is in talks with development financiers to secure $400 million in fresh funding—money that will be channelled into two areas that define the country’s growth potential: agriculture and transport infrastructure.
This is not just another loan request. It’s a statement about priorities and where Uganda sees its economic future.
Why Agriculture and Transport?
Agriculture employs more than 70% of Uganda’s population. Yet, the sector continues to struggle with low productivity, limited access to credit, and post-harvest losses. Channeling funding here could transform farming from subsistence to surplus, creating new export potential and improving food security.
Transport is the other critical piece. Without modern logistics—roads, rail, and cross-border corridors—Uganda cannot move goods efficiently, undermining both local trade and the opportunities of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Investing in these two sectors together is about linking farmers to markets, reducing costs for businesses, and building resilience for the wider economy.
Where the Money Comes From
Uganda is negotiating with a mix of partners, including the African Development Bank (AfDB), the Islamic Development Bank, and UN-backed financing arms. If successful, the deal would cover 85% of project costs, with government contributing the rest.
This financing structure echoes Uganda’s recent approach to infrastructure development: leverage concessional and multilateral funds while trying to keep debt manageable.

The Bigger Picture
Uganda, like many African economies, is walking a fine line. On one hand, it must invest in growth-critical infrastructure. On the other, it faces the constant challenge of managing debt sustainability.
The key lies in execution:
Will agriculture funding translate into higher yields and export revenues?
Will transport investment lower costs for businesses and expand trade corridors?
Will this debt create value rather than just obligations?
If the answer is yes, then this $400 million deal could become a cornerstone of Uganda’s next growth phase.
Uganda’s negotiations remind us of a simple truth: development finance is not about money alone. It’s about what that money unlocks.
If agriculture and transport can be transformed together, Uganda won’t just borrow—it will build.
#UgandaFinance #DevelopmentFinance #AfDB #IsDB #AgricultureGrowth #InfrastructureAfrica #UgandaEconomy #AfCFTA #AfricanMarkets
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