Nigeria is poised to start importing milk and coffee from Uganda following discussions between former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo and Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni. The talks, held during Obasanjo’s recent visit to Uganda, aim to boost Uganda’s agricultural exports and solidify trade relations between the two countries.

During the visit, Obasanjo toured Pearl Dairy Farms Limited in Mbarara City, where he expressed Nigeria’s keen interest in Ugandan dairy and coffee products. “I am here to explore how Nigeria can purchase Ugandan milk, expand production of processed milk, and source coffee,” he stated.

Impressed by Uganda’s annual production of 5.7 billion liters of milk, Obasanjo emphasized the potential within African countries, noting Nigeria’s current reliance on European milk imports. “It’s surprising to learn that Uganda is a net exporter of milk in Africa,” he remarked.

President Museveni welcomed the initiative, assuring that Uganda has the capacity to meet both domestic and international demand for milk and coffee. He encouraged local farmers to adopt sustainable farming practices like zero-grazing to boost productivity.

The visit also included the commissioning of the refurbished Nshwere Church, signaling further cooperation between the two nations as Uganda’s dairy export sector, valued at $264.5 million, continues to grow. This trade partnership is set to benefit both nations, with Uganda accessing Nigeria’s vast market and Nigeria reducing its dependency on European imports.