Uganda records high education export revenue from regional market

Uganda earned over 30 million U.S. dollars from the export of education services to the east and southern Africa regional markets, a new trade research study has showed.

The study conducted by Uganda Program for Trade Opportunities and Policy (UPTOP) said Uganda earned the 30 million dollars during the financial year 2004-2005.

The study titled "An assessment of Uganda's export potential for education service in the regional market", which was concluded last September said the east African country was hosting over 28, 000 international students in its secondary schools and about 5, 000 in higher institutions of learning.

Geofrey Bakunda, a researcher at Uganda Service Exporters Association quoted by New Vision on Wednesday said the sector was growing at a rate of 20 percent per annum.

The study also revealed that international students represented 8.3 percent and 7.8 percent of secondary and university enrollments respectively.

Bakunda said the government needs to attract foreign direct investment to develop the infrastructure and supply capacity necessary to meet the growth targets set, especially at higher education level.

He noted that this will fully exploit the country's potential in domestic and regional markets, adding that Uganda will be at an advantage when the education system in East Africa is harmonized

The study only examined the export potential for education services in the regional market within the context of the trade arrangements of the East African Community and the Common Market for East and Southern Africa (COMESA).

Source: Xinhua