An eco-friendly island
Bidco

Off the northwest shore of Lake Victoria lies the tropical Island of Kalangala, home to an array of stunning wildlife as well as the most promising agro-industrial project in Uganda.

Thanks to a joint venture between Wilmar Group of Malaysia and Bidco Uganda Limited, 450,000 palm oil seeds have been planted on the island. The plantation represents a $100 million investment, and the state-of-the-art edible oil processing complex in the town of Jinja represents an additional $50 million. Combined, the project is the largest single foreign direct investment in Uganda in recent times.

Agriculture is Uganda’s core competency. All too often, however, a lack of money and technology means that raw goods are exported, deferring economic benefits to more developed countries. “Bidco’s investment aims to change that,” says Kodey Rao, Managing Director of Bidco Uganda Ltd. “We want to set a positive trend for the future development of the sector and the country.”

Based on their fundamental philosophy - “From the Soil to the Pan” - Bidco’s investment is bringing to the country a fully integrated value chain, creating and retaining wealth within Uganda. At its peak the project will make Uganda fully self-sufficient in edible oils, removing the need for nearly $100 million of oil imports per year.

In addition to driving macro economic growth, the project is also infusing Uganda with state-of-the-art agro-technology, local skills development, thousands of jobs and a plethora of downstream activities.

The project represents a connection to not only the people but also to the land. Once again leading by example, Bidco not only adheres to global criteria for sustainable land usage, it also helped to develop them. These include a zero burning policy, erosion control and soil conservation. Bidco has also invested in environmentally-friendly effluent and sewage treatment plants in Jinja.

An eco-friendly crop, palm oil is also a source of food security. In the fight against malnutrition in the developing world, palm oil is a healthy and affordable source of energy and sustenance. Furthering these benefits, Bidco is dedicated to fortifying their product with additional vitamins and minerals.

As a progressive agro-business, Bidco is creating sustainable growth through economic, social and environmental commitments to East Africa. And through its success, it is showing the world what is possible when you invest in Uganda.