The East Africa Trade and Investment Forum, organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives, the Private Sector Foundation Uganda, UIA, UNDP, and other partners, took place from January 15–17, 2024, and was aimed at promoting business opportunities in Uganda and across the border to ensure communal global prosperity.
The theme of the forum was “Deeper Cooperation in Trade, Tourism, and Investment for Shared Global Affluence,” with the aim of promoting business opportunities in Uganda and the broader region.
According to the Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Vincent Waiswa Bagiire, with the active involvement of over 500 delegates from 19 countries, the event provided a platform for networking and collaboration, adding that the accompanying exhibition featured 36 exhibitors from eight countries, showcasing diverse products and services.
While presenting to the NOC at the review meeting on January 30, 2024, at Speke Resort Munyonyo, PS Bagiire announced a significant development—the agreement to build a Qatari city in Lubowa.
The B2B engagements at the forum resulted in the successful conclusion of four business deals. NEC Streit entered into an agreement with a Bulgarian company; Jesa Farm established a deal for the export of ghee and cheese to Egypt; and NHCC and Stanbic Bank forged partnerships in the real estate sector.
The forum garnered substantial interest from investors, with over 100 expressing their willingness to invest in Uganda, reflecting a positive outlook on the country’s business environment.
Geraldine Ssali, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Trade and Tourism, highlighted in her presentation the financial success of exhibitors and expressed pride in the high quality of the products on display. She noted that visitors found the exhibited products appealing, leading to successful transactions.
She expressed gratitude to Lucy Nakyobe, the Chairperson of the National Organising Committee (NOC), who also serves as the Head of Public Service and Secretary to the Cabinet. This was for her commitment, leadership, and resolute determination in overseeing the execution of responsibilities and ensuring that all individuals fulfilled their expected roles, thereby contributing to the successful realisation of the events.
The exhibition was inaugurated by the first Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of East African Affairs, Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, on January 15, 2024. However, the Trade and Investment Forum itself was officially opened on January 16, 2024, by Vice President Jessica Alupo, who represented President Museveni.
Distinguished participants included H.E. Mohamed Bin Ahmed Twar Al Kuwari, the Vice President of the Qatar Chamber of Commerce, the President of the Morocco Chamber of Commerce, and representatives from PAVO Group in Turkiye.
The Business Forum held alongside the NAM and G77 plus China summits in January 2024 in Uganda stood out as one of the pivotal occasions during this period.
