- World Bank approves 10-year Uganda development partnership framework
- Plan targets jobs, energy access, education and infrastructure upgrades
- World Bank to lend about $2 billion every three years
The World Bank Group’s board of directors has approved a 10-year Country Partnership Framework (CPF) for Uganda, according to a statement released Thursday. Developed in collaboration with the Ugandan government, the framework is designed to accelerate private sector-led economic transformation and create jobs.
Several financing projects in the pipeline
The CPF is built around four complementary objectives: stronger economic governance, a healthier and more skilled population, improved connectivity, and a more productive and inclusive private sector. It “aligns with the country’s Vision 2040 and the Fourth National Development Plan. It reflects a shared commitment to turning Uganda’s strong growth potential, young population, and natural endowments into sustained improvements in productivity, incomes, and livelihoods,” the statement said.
The framework sets targets for 2026-2030, including doubling energy access to reach 50 million people by 2035, up from 25 million today, and delivering quality health and nutrition services to 22 million people. It also aims to support 10 million students through improved skills and a stronger education system, and to upgrade transport infrastructure for the benefit of 20 million people.
The World Bank Group plans to lend around $2 billion per three-year cycle through the International Development Association (IDA), building on an existing $4 billion portfolio.
A resilient economy facing employment challenges
Uganda’s economy has shown resilience despite headwinds from slow reforms and mounting pressure on public finances. Growth reached 8.5% in the second quarter of 2025/2026, up from 5.4% a year earlier, driven by sound economic management, strong consumer demand and investment, Finance Minister Henry Musasizi said.
The poverty rate edged down from 52.9% in 2023-2024 to 51.5% in 2024-2025, according to the World Bank. However, the government faces a significant challenge in creating enough quality jobs for a rapidly growing workforce. Nearly 700,000 people enter the labor market each year, while the economy absorbs just over 200,000, according to the National Planning Authority (NPA).
In response, authorities have stepped up entrepreneurship support and technical training programs. The INVITE (Investment for Industrial Transformation and Employment) project, with a budget of $200 million for 2024-2025, illustrates this approach by backing industrialization, strengthening businesses and entrepreneurs, and promoting sustainable employment.
The CPF will help sustain complex reforms, strengthen institutions and maintain long-term impact, while retaining flexibility through periodic reviews that allow it to adapt to changing circumstances.
Lydie Mobio