KAMPALA — More than 600 young entrepreneurs, government officials, business leaders and international trade stakeholders are expected to gather in Kampala on Friday for a national conference aimed at helping Uganda’s youth-led businesses break into regional and global markets.
The National Entrepreneurs and Traders Association (NETA Uganda) will host the National Youth Entrepreneurs Conference 2026 on August 7 at Motive Conference Hall along Old Port Bell Road under the theme, “Empowering the Next Generation of Business Leaders.”
NETA Uganda President Dr. Thadeus Musoke Nagenda says the conference has been designed to equip young entrepreneurs with practical business skills while creating direct links with buyers, investors and trade partners from international markets.
“Our goal is to prepare young business owners to compete beyond Uganda by strengthening their knowledge in supply chain management, value addition, export readiness and sustainable financial planning,” Nagenda said.
He revealed that participants will have opportunities to interact with potential buyers, suppliers and investors from the United Arab Emirates, China, Turkey and the COMESA region, opening doors for new partnerships and export opportunities.
According to Nagenda, the conference is NETA Uganda’s flagship entrepreneurship platform and is expected to train more than 500 youth entrepreneurs on improving production standards, logistics, compliance requirements and accessing international markets.
The event will also provide a platform for dialogue between young entrepreneurs, government agencies and development partners on policies affecting trade, manufacturing and business growth.
Among the participants expected are youth business owners, SME founders, exporters, importers, manufacturers, agro-processors, suppliers, service providers, financiers and representatives of various government institutions and trade organisations.
Organisers say the conference will also feature exhibitions showcasing youth-made products and services that are ready for export and investment, while encouraging networking and collaboration among emerging business leaders.
Expected outcomes include new business partnerships, improved access to financing and trade information, stronger market linkages and the development of a youth business policy agenda to be presented to government and development partners.
Nagenda described the conference as a strategic investment in Uganda’s future economy.
“The National Youth Entrepreneurs Conference is more than just an event. It is a platform for preparing Uganda’s young entrepreneurs to become competitive business leaders who will create jobs, increase exports and contribute to national economic transformation,” he said.
NETA Uganda is a membership organisation representing more than 15,000 youth-led small and medium enterprises (SMEs) operating in trade, manufacturing, agro-processing and services across the country. The association says many of its members are already engaged in import and export activities but require stronger technical skills, wider market access and a supportive policy environment to compete effectively in international markets.
