Overview:

Senior officials and business leaders from Uganda and Tanzania meet to explore opportunities in key sectors and strengthen trade partnerships at a Kampala summit.

Kampala, Uganda – Officials and business leaders from Uganda and Tanzania have begun a week of talks in Kampala aimed at strengthening economic partnerships between the two East African neighbours.

The Uganda-Tanzania Trade Mission 2025 is focused on increasing trade and investment under the theme “Building Stronger Trade Partnerships for Long-Term Prosperity”.

The initiative, organised by the Ugandan High Commission in Tanzania, will see delegates explore opportunities in sectors such as agro-processing, construction materials, steel, dairy, pharmaceuticals and fast-moving consumer goods.

Sarah Kagingo, Vice Chairperson of Uganda’s Private Sector Foundation (PSFU), welcomed the Tanzanian delegation, highlighting the importance of the private sector in driving economic growth. She praised the trade mission for encouraging Tanzanian firms to invest in Uganda.

Uganda’s High Commissioner to Tanzania, Fred Mwesigye, noted the significant growth in trade between the two countries, which reached an estimated $2.23bn (£1.8bn) in 2024, up from $1.36bn (£1.1bn) the previous year.

However, he also pointed out a trade imbalance, with Uganda’s imports from Tanzania ($2.0bn) significantly outweighing its exports ($185m). Mr Mwesigye urged attendees to work towards a more balanced trade relationship.

Uganda’s State Minister for Trade, Hon Mbadi, highlighted infrastructure projects like the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) as key to unlocking economic potential and creating jobs. He reiterated Uganda’s commitment to creating a favourable business environment.

Representing Tanzania’s High Commissioner to Uganda, Mr Masunga Biteko emphasised the “deep-rooted friendship” between the two nations and the mission’s goal of exploring and expanding bilateral trade. He encouraged the use of Air Tanzania and the MV Umoja ferry to facilitate transport links.

The trade mission will include business-to-business meetings and visits to industrial parks in Uganda.