EAEA Reaffirms Commitment to UNIDO–Italy Partnership During Courtesy Visit in Kampala

UNIDO Delegation Engages EAEA on Strengthening Uganda’s Private Sector through Capacity Building and International Partnerships

Kampala, October 23, 2025 — The East Africa Entrepreneurs Association (EAEA) today hosted a high-level delegation from the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), led by Mr. Andrea Carapellese, Deputy Head of the UNIDO Office in Rome, and Ms. Diana Battaggia, Head of UNIDO ITPO Italy (Investment and Technology Promotion Office).

The meeting formed part of the inception mission for the new development cooperation project titled “Strengthening the Private Sector through Capacity Building and International Partnerships in Uganda,” funded by the Government of Italy. The initiative aims to enhance the competitiveness of Ugandan enterprises through knowledge sharing, innovation, and international collaboration.

The meeting was also attended by representatives from the Italian law firm Bergs & More — Avv. Luisa Romano, Avv. Eugenio Bettella, Dott.ssa Rita Ricciardi, and Avv. Anna Francesca Morsoletto — who will be providing technical support for the implementation of the project in Uganda, particularly in areas related to investment facilitation, legal frameworks, and international partnerships.

During the discussions, Mr. Wamala Tony, Director of Business Development Services at EAEA, reaffirmed the Association’s strong commitment to ensuring the project’s success. He highlighted EAEA’s proven experience in working with Italian partners through several impactful initiatives, including:

StartUP 10 – an entrepreneurship program that identifies, nurtures, and scales innovative Ugandan startups focusing on the green economy, ICT, and value-added agro-processing, implemented in partnership with CIHEAM Bari.
Fruits and Vegetables through Macfrut – enabling Ugandan horticultural exporters to participate in Macfrut (Italy), strengthening value chains and linking farmers with Italian and European buyers.
Mechanization of Uganda’s Agriculture through EIMA – introducing modern Italian agricultural mechanization technologies through the EIMA International Fair, enhancing farm productivity and reducing post-harvest losses.
Green Growth through ECOMONDO – positioning Ugandan SMEs at ECOMONDO (Italy) to promote technology transfer in renewable energy, circular economy, and sustainable waste management.
AICS Food Security and Sustainable Agriculture Project (Launching January 1, 2026) – a partnership with the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) to strengthen food systems, climate-smart agriculture, and regional food security.

Mr. Wamala emphasized that these initiatives demonstrate EAEA’s capacity to mobilize entrepreneurs, facilitate international linkages, deliver business development services, and promote sustainable industrial growth, directly aligning with UNIDO’s mission of Inclusive and Sustainable Industrial Development (ISID).

The meeting concluded with both parties reaffirming their shared commitment to deepen cooperation and ensure that the project delivers tangible, lasting impact for Uganda’s MSMEs, contributing to the country’s broader industrial transformation and inclusive growth agenda.