In Uganda, Amatheon is one of the largest grain producers. The country acts as a regional hub, strategically positioned among growing economies in East Africa.
Amatheon Agri Uganda Ltd. (AUU), a subsidiary of Amatheon Agri Holding N.V., was founded in 2013 in northern Uganda’s Nwoya District. Considering Uganda’s favorable agro-climatic conditions and rainfall in excess of 1500mm per annum spread over two distinct seasons, double cropping of many crops without irrigation is viable. AAU applies the latest farming technology and is managed by a team of experienced managers and operators. With operational hubs strategically located near the South Sudanese and Kenyan borders, Amatheon is well-positioned to cater for largely under-served markets as well as to Uganda itself, with strong road links to domestic markets. Today, AAU has above 3,000 hectares under operation, mainly growing maize, rice, soya, sunflower and sorghum. Further trials are being conducted and expansion into other crops is planned.
Uganda is an important commercial hub for the Great Lakes region, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan and Rwanda. It is extremely fertile and has many lakes and rivers. Kenya and Tanzania function as principle export and import routes.
Uganda has seen a major influx of international investors in light of its tremendous agricultural growing potential, agro-climatic conditions, strategic position in east Africa and welcoming economic environment. New agri-players strengthen overall viability of farming investments by increasing availability and affordability of inputs, machinery and equipment.
Between 1992 – 2011, the country’s GDP grew at 7% annually and growth is expected to remain solid with projected increases of 5.8% between 2017 – 2020. The discovery of oil reserves near farming operations provide a unique opportunity for Uganda to carry out an economic structural transformation and further boost rural growth. As in many African countries, agriculture is the most important sector of Uganda’s economy, employing over 80 percent of the country’s workforce and contributing 42% of the national GDP. The demand for staple food from neighboring South Sudan is expected to remain high as the country’s instability remains high.
The Ugandan population is expected to grow from 34 million in 2013 to 95 million in 2050 which will strengthen the importance of the agriculture and food industries. Their growing middle class further increases the demand for high protein value food. Overall, Uganda has successfully expanded its road network, power grid, coverage area of mobile service providers which also contributes to a promising investment environment.
Growing Value.
