Diamond Trust Bank (DTB) has reaffirmed its commitment to Uganda’s agricultural transformation through a strategic partnership with the Uganda Tea Association (UTA), aimed at boosting global competitiveness and value addition in the tea sector.
The commitment was underscored during a three-day UTA members’ retreat held in Fort Portal, which brought together key industry players including growers, processors, and exporters to chart a path toward strengthening Uganda’s position in the global tea market.
Uganda remains Africa’s second-largest tea producer and exporter, with annual output exceeding 80,000 metric tonnes and export earnings of about USD 80 million. The sector also supports more than 60,000 smallholder farmers, making it a critical pillar of rural livelihoods and the national economy.
Speaking at the retreat, Kyambadde Kaziro, Head of Corporate and Business Banking at DTB Uganda, said access to strategic financing will be central to unlocking the sector’s full potential.
“At Diamond Trust Bank, we recognize that achieving global competitiveness requires more than resilience—it demands access to the right financial tools. Through asset financing and trade finance solutions, we are enabling stakeholders across the tea value chain to innovate, expand, and compete effectively,” Kaziro said.
She emphasized the importance of deeper collaboration between financial institutions and industry players, noting that tailored financing solutions—including agricultural and business loans—can support investment in modern equipment, infrastructure, and workforce development.
Kaziro added that such partnerships are essential for sustaining growth and enhancing value addition, which remains a key priority for increasing Uganda’s share of global tea exports.
The retreat comes at a time when the tea industry is navigating price volatility on the international market, prompting renewed focus on value addition and efficiency improvements.
The Uganda Tea Association welcomed DTB’s continued support, particularly its focus on agricultural financing tailored to the sector’s unique needs.
Onesimus Matsiko, Chairperson of the Uganda Tea Outgrowers Association (UTOA), said improved access to credit remains critical for smallholder farmers seeking to modernize operations.
“The tea industry underpins many rural economies, but limited access to affordable financing continues to constrain growth. Strategic partnerships with institutions like DTB are key to enabling farmers to transition into value-added production and secure the long-term sustainability of the sector,” Matsiko noted.
Deliberations at the retreat focused on strategies to double production through inclusive and sustainable growth models, with stakeholders aligning on the need for investment, innovation, and stronger market positioning.
