Uganda, EU seeks investors to turn green energy potential into projects

KAMPALA. Uganda is seeking investment and technology partnerships to expand renewable energy and power industrial growth as government officials and European Union (EU) businesses prepare to meet in Kampala next week.

The focus will be on mobilising financing for commercially viable projects, developing technology partnerships and connecting investors with opportunities in hydropower, geothermal energy and energy infrastructure.

The discussions will take place during the Renewable Energy Conference and Expo 2026 (REC 2026), scheduled for October 19 to 22 at Kampala Serena Hotel, alongside the fifth Uganda-EU Business Forum on October 20 and 21.

The meetings come as Uganda seeks to use renewable energy to support industrialisation, expand electricity access and create jobs, while attracting private capital to projects that may require substantial upfront investment.

Organisers say the forum will provide a platform for Ugandan and European businesses to engage with government agencies, financial institutions and development partners on projects that can move from planning to implementation.

The engagements will include business-to-business, business-to-government and business-to-finance meetings, alongside exhibitions, project pitches and investor matchmaking sessions.

Energy and Mineral Development Minister Monica Musenero Masanza said Uganda’s energy transition would require more than infrastructure development.

“Uganda’s transition to a modern, productive and sustainable energy system for national transformation requires more than infrastructure; it requires investment, innovation, technology and strong partnerships,” she said.

She said the conference would connect Uganda’s renewable energy ambitions with investors, financiers and businesses to support industrial growth and economic development.

European Union Ambassador to Uganda Jan Sadek said the bloc was working with Ugandan and regional partners to mobilise public and private financing for sustainable investments.

“Through the Global Gateway strategy, the European Union is working with Ugandan and regional partners to bring together public institutions, development finance and private capital to unlock sustainable investment,” he said.

The EU’s Global Gateway Strategy seeks to support investment in infrastructure and sustainable development through partnerships involving public institutions, development financiers and private investors.

Mr Sadek said the business forum would link European technology and expertise with Uganda’s development priorities, helping businesses identify investment opportunities in renewable energy and related sectors.

Private Sector Foundation Uganda chief executive Stephen Asiimwe said the meetings would give businesses an opportunity to develop partnerships with investors and identify practical solutions to expand access to clean energy.

He said renewable energy presented opportunities for businesses to invest, innovate and support industrial development.

The forum comes amid expanding trade between Uganda and the EU. Organisers say Uganda’s exports to the bloc increased from €377 million in 2015 to €1.8 billion in 2025, while Uganda recorded a trade surplus of about €950 million with the EU last year.

The meetings are being organised through the EU-Uganda Business Hub, in partnership with the EU, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development and the Private Sector Foundation Uganda, alongside other partners.

A key test will be whether the engagements translate into financing agreements, technology transfers and investment commitments capable of delivering new energy projects and supporting Uganda’s industrial ambitions.