Background

Uganda is entering a decisive phase in its journey toward achieving a USD 500 billion economy by 2040, as envisioned under the Tenfold Growth Strategy and National Development Plan IV (NDP IV). Both frameworks emphasize sustainable industrialization for inclusive growth, employment, and wealth creation.
However, the success of this economic transformation rests on the vibrancy, competitiveness, and quality orientation of the private sector particularly Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). MSMEs account for 98.8% of Uganda’s enterprises, contribute 75% of GDP, 77% of formal jobs, and generate 80% of domestic revenue. They are the backbone of Uganda’s economic fabric and the engine of future industrialization.
 Despite this importance, MSMEs face persistent challenges—limited access to finance, low productivity, weak innovation, and poor compliance with standards. Furthermore, the MSME Policy (2015) and the National Standards and Quality Policy (2012) have become outdated amid evolving national, regional, and continental priorities, including the AfCFTA, the EAC Industrialization Strategy (2021–2031), digital transformation, and sustainability imperatives

Overall Goal: To convene a national multi-stakeholder dialogue to co-design, resource, and launch the review process of the Uganda MSME Policy (2015) and the National Standards and Quality Policy (2012) as key instruments for achieving Uganda’s Tenfold Growth aspirations.