Uganda has launched its first commercial exports of processed beef to Ethiopia, opening a new phase in the country’s livestock sector as it moves away from live animal exports toward value-added meat products.
The shipment, comprising processed beef products including steaks, sausages and lamb cuts, was dispatched by Ranchers Finest Ltd from its processing facility in Kawempe, Kampala.
Under the agreement, the company will supply about 20 tonnes of meat products every month to Ethiopia’s Diamond Hotel and Restaurant Group, marking the start of a structured cross-border supply arrangement.
The deal comes amid growing momentum in regional trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which aims to reduce barriers to trade and deepen commerce among African countries.
According to experts, a shift toward value-added exports, rather than raw commodities, could boost foreign exchange earnings, accelerate industrialisation and support job creation across East Africa.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Senior Presidential Advisor on Agribusiness Dr Hillary Emmanuel Musoke said the development marks an important step in strengthening Uganda’s livestock industry and expanding value-added agricultural exports.
According to Musoke, the country’s long-term focus should be on processing livestock products locally to retain more value within the economy.
“This deal is a very big achievement for Uganda and one of the biggest milestones for our livestock industry,” Musoke said.
He added that prioritising meat processing over live animal exports would generate wider economic benefits across the value chain, including jobs in slaughtering, packaging, transport and quality assurance.
“We need to process all the meat from the farm to the fork,” he said.
Dr Musoke also encouraged farmers to increase livestock production, citing rising demand for processed meat products in regional markets.
According to Ranchers Finest, the export contract was secured through a competitive procurement process and attributed its selection to compliance with international food safety standards, including ISO 22000:2018 and HACCP certification.
The company’s Chief Executive Officer, Collin Muyanja, said the agreement reflects growing confidence in Uganda’s meat processing industry and is expected to open additional export opportunities in Ethiopia and other regional markets.
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