Uganda Targets 7.9% GDP Contribution from Mineral Wealth by 2030

What the report says

Uganda has set a goal of increasing the mineral sector’s share of gross domestic product from 2.2% to 7.9% by 2030, according to State Minister for Minerals Phiona Nyamutoro, as reported by Nile Post. She said the plan depends on tighter regulation, formalising more mining activity, attracting investment and expanding value addition so the country keeps more of the earnings from its resources.

Nyamutoro made the remarks while closing the 15th Annual Mineral Wealth Conference at Speke Resort Munyonyo, where government officials, investors and industry stakeholders discussed the future of Uganda’s mining sector. The event, held from September 29 to 30, focused on mining investment, processing, regulation and ways to turn mineral wealth into broader economic growth.

The minister said government is reviewing licences and moving against unlicensed operators, arguing that illegal mining and smuggling have reduced the benefit Uganda receives from minerals such as gold and copper. She also said authorities are looking at stronger oversight of the sector, including the possible creation of an independent body to manage mineral resources.

More broadly, the reported target fits into Uganda’s wider development plans, which identify mineral development as one of the sectors expected to support growth through 2030. For the mining industry, the emphasis on local processing and stricter compliance signals a shift away from exporting raw minerals toward retaining more value within the country.