Uganda has made a compelling call to Indonesian investors to tap into its booming tourism and digital innovation sectors, as the East African country accelerates efforts to attract strategic foreign partnerships aligned with its Vision 2040 development plan.
Speaking at the Pearl of Africa Business Forum held at Park Hyatt in Jakarta, Uganda’s State Minister for Trade, Gen Wilson Mbadi Mbasu, described Uganda as open for business, urging Indonesian companies to explore opportunities in eco-tourism, digital innovation, and value-added industries.
“Uganda remains largely untapped as a destination, despite its rich biodiversity, scenic landscapes, and vibrant cultural heritage,” Mbadi said.
“We invite Indonesian tour operators, airlines, and hotel chains to partner with us in expanding eco-tourism, adventure travel, and cultural exchange programs,” Mbadi added.
The minister said that Uganda’s tourism potential anchored by attractions such as gorilla trekking in Bwindi, wildlife safaris in Queen Elizabeth National Park, and the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains remains underexplored and ready for investment.
According to him, with improved infrastructure and strategic partnerships, the country can rise as a premier destination for Asian travellers.
Gen Mbadi spotlighted Uganda’s young, tech savvy population and fast-growing digital economy, as fertile ground for innovation driven investments beyond tourism.
He identified opportunities in fintech, edtech, agritech, and e-commerce, calling for collaboration in the development of tech hubs and digital infrastructure.
“We propose building a digital bridge between Jakarta and Kampala highlighting Uganda’s readiness for joint ventures that accelerate its transformation into a digitally enabled economy,” the minister stated.
Uganda, with over 75% of its population under 30, has seen a surge in mobile money, online learning, and digital agriculture platforms influences an ideal ground for scalable tech solutions.
Gen Mbadi reassured prospective investors of Uganda’s political stability, ongoing regulatory reforms, and commitment to environmental sustainability and transparency in business processes.
While Uganda and Indonesia have enjoyed diplomatic relations for decades, trade volumes between the two countries remain modest.
In 2023, Uganda’s exports to Indonesia totalled $39.43 million, while imports from Indonesia stood at $16.88 million. Gen Mbadi said this gap reflects untapped potential, not limits. He positioned Uganda as a reliable and profitable partner in a rapidly evolving global market.
The forum forms part of Uganda’s broader strategy to diversify investment partners and attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) ahead of key oil production milestones and the operationalization of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
