Ugandan agricultural products set for wider market in South Africa after new pact

Ugandan agricultural products are set to make a deeper foot print in the South African market following a new deal signed between two leading companies in the sector.

Ugandan-owned Federal Foods Pty and South Africa’s Phinel Pty Limited recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding through which the former could supply the latter with agricultural produce from the Pearl of Africa.

“Today, I was honored to witness the birth of a formal partnership between Federal Foods Pty and Phinel Pty Ltd through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding at the Department of Trade Industry and Competition head office in Pretoria,” Uganda’s High Commissioner to Southern Africa Paul Amoru stated Monday.

“This significant agreement marks a pivotal moment for Ugandan agricultural products, encompassing a variety of high-quality offerings such as pineapples, peppers, bananas, and more set to grace the markets of South Africa,” he added.

The envoy commended Mr. Andrew Mukiibi, the CEO of Federal Foods for the initiative. He also commended Mr. John Rocha from DTIC, “who has been instrumental in promoting trade and investment, hosted the event.”

The event was witnessed by Matthew Bagonza from the Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development.

“Cheers to the commencement of what promises to be a prosperous collaboration, fostering sustainable trade practices, economic growth, and fostering stronger relations between Uganda and South Africa,” Amoru said.

In March, Federal Foods set up a cold room in South Africa after the country granted Uganda permission to take there 8.7 million tonnes of agricultural products.

“I salute Mr. Andrew Mukiibi for this initiative and for setting up a cold room in Kempton Park, Johannesburg – Enhancing trade between Uganda and South Africa,” Amoru said then.

The permitted products include pineapples, dried chilies, bananas, baby okra, carrots, onions, garlic, sweet potatoes, yams, and cassava.

“With a total tonnage of 8,700,000 tons authorized for import, the partnership between Uganda and South Africa is set to flourish,” he added.

The development comes in the wake of plans to waive visa expenses for travellers between the two countries.

Uganda’s national carrier, Uganda Airlines operates several direct flights to South Africa every week, easing travel to and from the East African country.