The Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development (PACEID), Odrek Rwabwogo, has welcomed the Chinese government’s move to accept goods from African countries, describing it as a game-changer.
However, he cautioned that Uganda should seize this opportunity with the intention of learning simpler technologies that they can adopt and integrate into their production processes from the southeast Asian giant.
This development comes as Uganda’s exports to China are valued at approximately US$ 92.63 million as per 2024 statistics, with Uganda’s exports to China primarily comprising raw materials and agricultural products ranging from timber, coffee, oil seeds, fish, and dried chilies.
Rwabwogo made these comments in an exclusive interview with The Observer following a statement that was posted on the Chinese media platform CGTN, which noted, “China will implement zero- tariff measures for 53 African countries with which it has diplomatic relations, starting May 1, 2026”.
According to the statement, China will continue negotiating and signing joint economic partnership agreements and further expand market access for African exports through upgraded mechanisms such as the ‘green channel’.
Rwabwogo highlighted the need for African countries to position themselves in the Chinese market through understanding the Chinese language, culture, tastes and preferences, and ensuring that Africa is not caught up in a global trade war, where countries that are in competition end up using trade as a weapon.
“You need to strengthen your capacity and have more ammunition in your rifle. The ammunition in the rifle of Africa is the African market. It’s not as if selling in China is free.
So, yes, you sell to them, but grow, expand your market, and protect it a little more for your African companies, because those companies are the ones that will compete with any global power tomorrow that may be competing now. Position yourself in the market, but build capacity for manufacturing at home. Learn from them, protect the African market,” Rwabwogo said.
He said China is a remarkable example beyond trade and exports, emphasizing that despite its vast size and population, it has demonstrated disciplined execution in growing its economy.
He pointed out that China accounts for approximately 30 to 35 per cent of total global manufacturing capacity, highlighting the scale of its industrial strength.
“So, when we sell to China, we should sell with the intent to learn simpler technologies,” he added, stressing that Uganda must approach trade not merely as a market opportunity, but as a chance to acquire practical knowledge that can strengthen its domestic production processes. Looking at the areas Uganda can invest in to tap the benefits of the Chinese Zero-tariff principle for the 53 African Countries, Rwabwogo highlighted the need for Uganda to strategically position itself to increase production and add value to its exports.
China’s vast consumption capacity presents enormous opportunities, Rwabwogo said, but Uganda needs to scale up output in key sectors such as eucalyptus timber, sesame (simsim), coffee, and fish.
“For instance, Uganda reportedly produces about 120,000 metric tonnes of simsim against export orders of about 100,000 metric tonnes, some of which is sourced from neighbouring areas such as Magwi in South Sudan.” He said, China’s demand is for large volumes, often at competitive prices.
“Therefore, Uganda must prioritise roasting coffee, processing simsim, and adding value to fish and other agricultural commodities before export. Aggregation of produce is equally critical to meet China’s demand for bulk quantities while safeguarding local supply chains,” he added.
Rwabwogo said fish and beef production are strategic areas Uganda can expand to benefit from China’s market access, despite China being the world’s major producer and exporter of tilapia. Uganda, however, is a leading exporter for Nile Perch.
And even with China’s huge tilapia exports, Rwabwogo said its domestic supply is insufficient due to high consumption and export demands, creating an opportunity for Uganda, whose production target has been one million tonnes in recent years. He also pointed to coffee, observing that China’s growing coffee culture presents an opportunity if Uganda exports roasted coffee rather than raw beans.
Beef exports too, hold promise, as China’s domestic cattle production does not meet demand, even though pork remains its largest meat reserve. He told The Observer that Uganda must address logistical bottlenecks, including high transport and energy costs, to compete effectively in a market defined by huge volumes and low prices.
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