Overview:
The Minister outlined Uganda’s strategy to attract large-scale Chinese manufacturers to set up production facilities in the country, particularly in the areas of agro-processing, textiles, and electronics, where Uganda has a competitive advantage.
Uganda’s push to become an export manufacturing hub took a major step forward on Tuesday as Minister Evelyn Anite engaged Chinese manufacturers at a high-profile investment conference in Wuxi City in China.
The Minister outlined Uganda’s strategy to attract large-scale Chinese manufacturers to set up production facilities in the country, particularly in the areas of agro-processing, textiles, and electronics, where Uganda has a competitive advantage.
“Our goal is to transform Uganda into Africa’s premier hub for export-oriented manufacturing. We offer the land, labor, and access to markets—what we need now is strategic partners with the experience and resources to help us achieve our vision,” Anite told a packed audience of Chinese industrialists.
Uganda’s geographical location within East Africa, combined with preferential access to markets under AfCFTA, AGOA (African Growth and Opportunity Act), and the Everything But Arms (EBA) agreement with the EU, provides Chinese manufacturers with access to a combined market of over 1.5 billion consumers. Anite pointed to Uganda’s low energy costs, abundant natural resources, and skilled labor force as key incentives for Chinese firms.
Chinese investors in manufacturing, she said, stand to benefit from Uganda’s generous tax incentives, export guarantees, and streamlined customs procedures. Uganda’s goal is to increase the manufacturing sector’s contribution to GDP from 15% to 30% by 2030, a target that is achievable through strategic partnerships with Chinese companies.
Anite highlighted the immense potential of Uganda’s tourism sector and called on Chinese investors to explore untapped opportunities in one of Africa’s most breathtaking destinations. Known as the “Pearl of Africa,” Uganda offers rich wildlife, cultural heritage, and natural beauty that attracts over 1.5 million tourists annually—a number the government plans to increase significantly with the right investments.
In response, Zhou Yu Qing, Africa Team Lead at SIMI Group, said, “Africa is not just a market but a partner in progress, where mutual growth is cultivated through strategic collaboration.”