MSME Symposium Poised to Create Growth and Foster Action

Uganda’s economy is largely powered by the private sector, dominated by micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). These businesses account for about 90 percent of the private sector, contribute between 70 and 75 percent of GDP, and employ more than 2.5 million Ugandans.

Yet despite Uganda being hailed as one of the most entrepreneurial countries in the world, many MSMEs fail to survive beyond five years, according to the Uganda National Bureau of Statistics.

High cost of credit, limited access to markets, difficulty adopting technology and innovation, and compliance challenges continue to undermine their growth.

A Platform to Amplify MSME Voices

In response to these challenges, Nation Media Group–Uganda (NMG-U), in partnership with the Federation of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (FSMEs), is hosting the second annual MSME Symposium and Expo.

“MSMEs are the heart of Uganda’s economy, and the symposium is geared towards amplifying their voices and bringing together different players to improve how they do business,” says Susan Nsibirwa, Managing Director of NMG-Uganda.

The full-day symposium will take place on August 28, 2025, at the Uganda Manufacturers Association multi-purpose hall, and will be open to the public.

Learning, Dialogue, and Action

Through a series of panel discussions, the symposium will explore critical topics affecting MSMEs, including access to finance, markets, innovation, policy, and leadership. Panelists will include financiers, entrepreneurs, business leaders, and government officials.

According to Sam Barata, NMG-U General Manager Commercial, the symposium is designed to go beyond conversation.

“We are creating a platform where policymakers listen directly to SMEs’ pain points. That interaction will spark conversations that lead to real solutions,” he says.

The event will also feature a day-long exhibition, showcasing Ugandan innovations while offering business advisory services on funding, compliance, and formalisation.

“It is not just about talking, but seeing the product itself and understanding what can be done to scale profits,” Barata adds.

Government Perspective

Joshua Mutambi, Commissioner and Head of Processing and Marketing at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, says the symposium provides an important opportunity for MSMEs to exchange knowledge and shape future policy.

“The challenge is that most MSMEs are informal, yet government’s interest is in formalising them. The strategies are in place, and the symposium allows us to share this information and raise awareness,” he explains.

He adds that the platform also enables MSMEs to learn about available market opportunities and raise issues that can be incorporated into future policies.

Beyond the Event

While not all challenges will be solved in a single day, John Walugembe, Executive Director of FSMEs, says the symposium is designed to trigger follow-up action.

“We aim to develop a clear action matrix showing which institution will support which need. MSMEs will then be directly linked to relevant entities, such as accelerators for innovation support,” he says.

A Turning Point for MSMEs

The 2025 MSME Symposium and Expo is positioned as more than just an event. It is a turning point — a space where MSME struggles are acknowledged, innovations showcased, and voices amplified before those with the power to drive change.

By bringing together policymakers, financiers, entrepreneurs, and the media, the symposium aims to transform dialogue into action and help Uganda’s MSMEs move from survival to sustainable growth.