PS Ggoobi pitches Uganda’s 10-Fold growth Strategy to WTO

Uganda’s Secretary to the Treasury, Ramathan Ggoobi, has presented the country’s ambitious 10-fold growth strategy to the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Leading a delegation to the WTO Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, Ggoobi met with Deputy Director-General Zhang Xiangchen, emphasizing trade and development as key drivers for Uganda and other Least Developed Countries.

“I wish to thank you for the WTO’s continued project support towards Uganda, including through the Aid for Trade Initiative and the Enhanced Integrated Framework,” Ggoobi said. He noted that Uganda had received $6.9 million for institutional capacity building, trade diagnostics, strengthening district commercial offices, and enhancing productive capacity in tourism.

The 10-fold growth strategy focuses on transforming Uganda’s economy through science, technology, innovation, and communication. Its four key pillars include agro-processing, tourism, mineral resource development, and science and technology transfer in creative industries.

Ggoobi briefed Zhang on Uganda’s progress in implementing the strategy, which is expected to push GDP growth beyond 10% in its early years. He highlighted ongoing efforts to improve the business environment, invest in infrastructure, and boost tourism.

Zhang praised Uganda’s vision, particularly its commitment to digital transformation. “The WTO will, going forward, increase its engagement with African economies and learn good practices from each other,” he said.

He also stressed the role of e-commerce and digital innovation in driving economic growth, citing China’s success in leveraging digitalization. “With a high percentage of youth, Uganda has great potential to develop a creative economy,” Zhang added.

Uganda’s 10-fold growth strategy aligns with its broader national development plan to attain middle-income status by 2040.