UGANDA-TANZANIA TRADE MISSION 2025 COMMENCES IN KAMPALA
The Uganda-Tanzania Trade Mission 2025 has officially commenced in Kampala under the theme, “Building Stronger Trade Partnerships for Long-Term Prosperity.” The week-long event, spearheaded by the Uganda High Commission in Dar es Salaam and aimed at promoting Economic and Commercial Diplomacy, is being held at the Four Points Hotel in Kampala, Uganda.
The Trade Mission has brought together senior government officials, delegates, and business leaders from both the United Republic of Tanzania and the Republic of Uganda to exchange insights on enhancing bilateral trade and fostering economic growth.
In her opening remarks, Ms. Sarah Kagingo, Vice Chairperson of the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU), who represented PSFU Board Chair Mr. Humphrey Nzeyi, warmly welcomed the Tanzanian delegation. She highlighted that PSFU, which celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2025, is Uganda’s premier umbrella organization for the private sector, comprising 341 business associations, corporate entities, and key public sector agencies.
Ms. Kagingo also emphasized PSFU’s role in private sector advocacy, capacity building, and maintaining constructive policy dialogue with the Government.
She commended the Uganda High Commission and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, along with other stakeholders, for organizing the Trade Mission. The initiative seeks to promote Tanzanian business and investment interest in Uganda, especially in sectors such as agro-processing, construction materials, steel, dairy, pharmaceuticals, and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG). She described the mission as a symbol of the enduring friendship and shared aspirations between the two nations.
H.E. Col (Rtd) Fred Mwesigye, Uganda’s High Commissioner to Tanzania, expressed his appreciation to all participants and underscored the increasing economic collaboration between the two countries. He noted that bilateral trade had grown significantly, with trade volume reaching approximately USD 2.23 billion in 2024, up from USD 1.36 billion in 2023. Uganda’s exports to Tanzania totaled USD 185 million, while imports from Tanzania stood at USD 2.0 billion, reflecting a notable trade imbalance.
Ambassador Mwesigye lauded the efforts of the Government of Uganda, particularly the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, and the Uganda Revenue Authority, for their steadfast support and contribution to facilitating trade. He encouraged participants to use the opportunity to further advance the bilateral trade agenda and deepen economic cooperation.
Representing the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in charge of Regional Cooperation, the Chief Guest, Hon. Gen. Wilson Mbasu Mbadi, who also serves as the State Minister for Trade in the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, emphasized the importance of the Trade Mission in reinforcing commercial and investment ties between Uganda and Tanzania.
He showcased Uganda’s vibrant industrial and entrepreneurial landscape, referencing notable investments such as the Liaoshen Industrial Park, Pearl Dairy, and Namanve Industrial Park. He emphasized the availability of joint ventures, supply chain collaborations, and market integration opportunities, which are pivotal in building a competitive and integrated regional economy.
Gen. Mbadi also highlighted the positive impact of major infrastructure projects like the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), expected to generate over USD 20 billion in revenue, create more than 10,000 jobs, and stimulate growth in energy, logistics, and telecommunications sectors. He reiterated Uganda’s commitment to cultivating a business-friendly environment by lowering transaction costs and enhancing market access.
Delivering remarks on behalf of the High Commissioner of Tanzania to Uganda, Mr. Masunga Biteko praised the longstanding relationship between the two countries and reaffirmed the shared commitment to mutual prosperity.
He stated that the primary objective of the Trade Mission is to unlock the untapped potential within Uganda-Tanzania trade relations and foster partnerships that will drive sustainable development in both nations.
Mr. Biteko also encouraged increased use of Air Tanzania Company Limited for both passenger and cargo services, as well as lake transport options such as MV Umoja and MV KAZI NDA, to facilitate the movement of goods between the two countries.
The Trade Mission, which runs through the end of the week, features Business-to-Business (B2B) networking sessions and field visits to strategic industrial zones, including Kapeeka and Namanve Industrial Parks.
