Uganda’s business environment is characterized by a lack of entrepreneurial skills, lack of access to affordable business development services, limited access to finance, lack of adequate technical and management support services and limited access to information on market opportunities. Linkages between international companies and local small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are the fastest and most effective way to transfer technology and management skills to local SMEs in emerging economies. The approach taken is based on documented best practice and accumulated private sector experience.

 

The project identifies small and medium scale enterprises, brokers and facilitates implementation of business linkage deals and defines capacity gaps of SMEs. It further ensures the transfer of technology and know-how - including coaching and mentoring of SMEs by international companies - and facilitates SMEs’ access to markets and finance.

 

 

The objective of the project is to promote the creation of durable and mutually beneficial partnerships between international corporations or large local companies and small and medium scale enterprises. This will enhance the competitiveness, efficiency and sustainability of the local enterprise sector, thereby contributing to the accelerated growth of the Ugandan economy.

 

 

The project supports the establishment of 23 business linkages in the sectors of agribusiness, manufacturing, construction and telecommunications. The participating SMEs receive continuous training in business and management skills to improve their management, operations, marketing and financial systems. The project also works closely together with the Uganda Investment Authority to promote a favourable legal and institutional environment for business linkages.

 

 

By establishing 26 linkages, the project has exceeded its target of 23 linkages and is now coaching and mentoring the participating SMEs to ensure that the linkage scheme is sustainable.