Uganda’s transition to a greener economy presents an opportunity to attract investment, strengthen businesses and create decent jobs for young people. Turning this potential into lasting economic benefits, however, will require coordinated action across government, the private sector and development partners.

This was a key message from the 3rd CEO’s breakfast meeting and high-level dialogue on green economy, sustainability and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), held on 14th-October-2026 at the UNICEF Conference Centre in Mbuya, Kampala. The meeting was officially opened by the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Jacob Marksons Oboth, who delivered the keynote address under the theme,  "Accelerating Uganda’s green economy transition through digital transformation."

The dialogue brought together government representatives, business leaders, diplomats, UN agencies, development partners and financial institutions to explore how digital transformation, investment and collaboration can help Uganda advance its green economy ambitions and translate sustainability commitments into practical results.

In his opening remarks, the Speaker called on leaders to move beyond discussions and statistics to practical action on climate change and environmental protection. He highlighted the importance of translating commitments into tangible measures that protect livelihoods, strengthen resilience and advance Uganda’s development priorities.

Speaking at the meeting, Enabel Country Director Nicolas Oebel emphasised that environmental ambitions must be matched by economic opportunities capable of sustaining businesses and creating jobs.

“The green transition will only become sustainable when it becomes economically viable,” Nicolas said, highlighting the importance of connecting skills development, enterprise growth and market demand.

This means that Enabel and its partners must look beyond introducing green technologies or training young people in emerging skills to ensuring that businesses can compete and grow, markets exist for green products and services, and young people have clear pathways to employment or establishing their own enterprises.

Investment was another important consideration in the discussions. World Bank representatives highlighted the role of green finance, technology and international partnerships in advancing the transition. Attracting investment requires an enabling environment, confidence in the policy framework and well-prepared projects capable of delivering economic and environmental returns.

These considerations are closely linked to the development of green value chains, where skills, finance, technology and markets must work together. Without businesses able to generate demand for new skills and investment that enables them to grow, the potential for green industries to create lasting employment remains limited.

The discussions also highlighted the importance of connecting environmental sustainability with essential services and social inclusion. UNICEF Country Representative Dr. Robin Nandy stressed the urgency of climate-resilient water, sanitation and hygiene services, particularly for children and vulnerable communities affected by climate shocks. This perspective broadened the discussion beyond economic growth alone, highlighting how climate resilience, public health and access to essential services contribute to a greener and more inclusive economy.

For Enabel, linking these wider development priorities with employment means ensuring that emerging green industries create opportunities people can access. Renewable energy, green construction, bamboo and sustainable tourism are among the areas where stronger connections between training institutions, enterprises and markets can help translate green growth into jobs. Young people need more than technical training to benefit from these opportunities. They also need practical experience, employers seeking their skills and pathways into employment or entrepreneurship. Businesses, in turn, need access to skilled workers, appropriate technologies, finance and markets to develop competitive products and services.

Enabel’s WeWork-green and decent jobs for youth project, funded by the European Union and the Government of Belgium, connects skills development, employment and enterprise growth as part of its work to expand green and decent job opportunities for young people in Uganda.

The discussions at the breakfast reinforced the importance of bringing these different elements together. Government policies can create an enabling environment, financial institutions can unlock investment, development partners can help address barriers, and businesses can turn opportunities into viable products, services and jobs.

The challenge now is to translate Uganda’s green economy ambitions into action that delivers measurable economic and environmental benefits. A transition that connects skills, enterprises, finance and markets can enable Uganda to protect its natural resources, strengthen competitiveness, expand economic opportunities and create decent jobs for its young people.

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