by butikiro adminCOMESA-EAC Horticulture Accelerator (CEHA)-Uganda Chapter Launched
The COMESA-EAC Horticulture Accelerator (CEHA) Uganda Chapter was launched in February 2024 to accelerate the growth of the Fruit and Vegetable (F&V) sub-sector through matching grants and technical assistance.
CEHA aims to improve the coordination of policy, value chain development programs, financing, and research and development in the horticulture industry. The CEHA Uganda Chapter, hosted by HortiFresh Association Uganda, focuses on the avocado and onion value chains.
In February 2025, CEHA issued a call for proposals for Matching Grants designed to accelerate the growth and sustainability of horticultural value chains. This was in line with the CEHA Matching Grants Facility Implementation and Award Modality (MG FIAM) aiming to support innovative agribusiness projects that contribute to the improvement of farming household incomes, rural economic development, and gender equity via horticultural value chains across the region. In addition to financial support, the programme offers tailored non-financial assistance, including business development advice, value chain integration, and market access facilitation. The funding range was USD 25,000 to USD 100,000 and applicants were required to contribute a minimum of 50% of the total project cost, either in cash or in-kind.
The proposed investments were expected to, inter alia, enhance farming household incomes through higher yields, quality improvements, and better market access; Promote women’s participation and empowerment in the horticulture value chain; Adopt climate-smart practices, such as using resilient seeds, sustainable irrigation, and renewable energy solutions; and Strengthen market linkages, improve post-harvest handling, and enhance product quality and standards compliance.
Find a video summary of the CEHA Uganda Chapter launch on YouTube