Uganda organic oilseeds

Uganda is one of Africa’s most promising suppliers of organic oilseeds. The country has fertile land and a growing organic movement. As a result, they can supply Dutch and European markets with organic sesame, chia seeds, and nilotica shea butter.

CBI launched the Uganda Organic Oilseeds programme in April 2023. During the project, we work with smallholder farmers and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) who want to grow sustainably and connect to international markets. We work with 7 companies, 6 producer groups, and other major service providers and value chain partners. The goal is for SMEs to improve farming practices, support organic certification, and build stronger relationships across the value chain.

The Netherlands is one of Europe’s biggest hubs for organic goods, and demand is still growing. We are looking for Dutch and European importers, certification supporters, and sector partners who want to connect with Uganda’s growing oilseeds sector. 

Become a partner

CBI is looking for partners who share our commitment to sustainable, inclusive trade and want to invest in local, lasting solutions.

We seek to connect with Dutch and European importers of organic oilseeds, certification organisations, and supporters of Uganda's organic sector.  

We are also open to hearing from Dutch entrepreneurs or knowledge institutions with relevant expertise, especially those who want to contribute to a more sustainable organic oilseed sector in Uganda and East Africa.

Project purpose

Uganda has a strong foundation for organic agriculture. Many farmers use no or very few chemicals because the soil is naturally fertile. This gives Uganda a good starting position in the organic market. At the same time, some farmers switch to traditional methods to increase productivity and income. Once that switch happens, it can be difficult to return to organic practices.

Besides low‑input and traditional farming, there is also real potential for high‑productivity organic and regenerative agriculture systems. This is where the opportunities for long‑term resilience and value creation are.

At the same time, European demand for organic products is growing. The Netherlands is a major entry point for organic goods into Europe. Germany is one of the largest organic markets in the world. European Union (EU) regulations on organic certification have become stricter since 2025. This can bring challenges for producers who want to access this market.

CBI wants to work with farmers and SMEs in Uganda to meet these higher standards. This will enable them tostay in the organic segment, and benefit from the market opportunities it offers. Organic certification is about more than market access. It is also about encouraging more sustainable farming practices, developing longer-term trade relationships, and creating better incomes for farmers.

Organic farming is a complex solution. Certification is expensive and markets can be unpredictable. As a result, the project focuses on improving productivity through sustainable farming methods. Better practices mean better yields and better incomes, even if a farmer decides not to sell on the organic market.

This project works across 4 different areas:

1. Improve vertical integration between farmers, SMEs and buyers.  
2. Provide more knowledge on organic agriculture practices.
3. Strengthen business development services for the sector.
4. Improve sector coordination and collaboration.

​​​Partners

This programme has just started. 7 SMEs and 6 producer groups are participating in the programme.

Current partner companies include:

• ​​FairWild Foundation: Promoting sustainable wild‑harvested ingredients. ​
• Ngetta ZARDI: Part of the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO).
• Nilotica Shea Alliance: Supporting sustainable shea value chains.
• NOGAMU: Uganda’s national organic sector association.
• MAAIF: Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries.
• Rural Community in Development (RUCID): Organic training and processing.
• UFZEPA: Uganda Fruits, Vegetables & Oilseeds Exporters and Producers Association.
• UgoCert Uganda’s leading organic certification body.

We seek new partners, especially:

• Dutch and European importers interested in sourcing sustainable sesame, chia seeds or nilotica shea butter from Uganda. If you are an importer looking for reliable, sustainable suppliers, we can connect you with companies in this programme.
• Organisations that can help finance organic certification. Certification is often the biggest financial barrier for farmers and SMEs. We are looking for impact investors, financiers, or institutions allowed to support organic certification costs.
• SMEs and producer groups already trading organically certified oilseeds from Uganda who want to grow further and connect with new markets.
• Chain partners who want to invest in more sustainable practices. This includes organisations that can help integrate regenerative, organic, or climate‑smart practices by funding or investing in improvements across the value chain. 

What does a partnership with CBI look like?  

CBI does not provide funding. What we offer is hands-on technical support, market connections, and knowledge sharing.

Companies and producer groups in the programme receive guidance on organic farming, certification support, market entry assistance and can make connections to EU buyers. They can also take part in trade fairs like Biofach and in-cosmetics.  

We invite sector partners and institutions to help develop solutions and share knowledge in Uganda's organic oilseed sector.  

We can also connect partners to our network of farmers, SMEs, and institutional actors in Uganda. They have a strong practical understanding of the organic sector.

Collaborate with us

Do you want to contribute to a sustainable organic oilseed sector in Uganda? Whether you are an importer, a certification supporter, or a sector organisation, we would appreciate to hear from you.

For questions or more information, please contact Rebecca Groot.

Reach out now

About CBI

CBI promotes sustainable production and trade between low-and middle-income countries and the Netherlands and Europe. We partner with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and their ecosystem to strengthen their social and environmental sustainability.  

CBI is part of the Netherlands Enterprise Agency and commissioned by the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs.