The African Development Bank (AfDB) has granted $10 million to the Department of Tourism in the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, aimed at implementing a one and half year capacity building program for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the sector.

According to the Secretary for Tourism, Isaac Katopola, the program is designed to capacitate indigenous SMEs who are failing to compete with companies owned by foreigners. “we want to make sure that the SMEs such as the taxi operators, restaurant owners, art galleries, lodge owners, tour operators and other small tourism enterprises are aware that their businesses are not only for profits, but to support the government as well,” he said.

The grant comes amidst a struggling tourism sector amidst the coronavirus pandemic, while the sector faced problems prior to the outbreak. Meanwhile, according to Katopola said currently, about 65% of SMEs in the sector do not have the capacity to offer professional services to tourists as compared to some foreign national operating companies in the country.