Uganda Pearl of Africa Trade Expo Opens in Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | April 23, 2025 — The Uganda Pearl of Africa Trade Expo has officially opened in Malaysia, marking a major diplomatic and economic milestone for Uganda as it seeks to secure up to USD 5 billion in trade and investment deals over the next five years.
The expo, themed “Unlocking Uganda’s Business Potential,” was inaugurated in Kuala Lumpur with top Ugandan officials and private sector leaders emphasizing the country’s strategic position and sectoral opportunities across energy, minerals, tourism, agro-industrialisation, and digital technology.
🏛️ High-Level Delegation and Strategic Cooperation
Uganda’s delegation is led by Finance Minister Hon. Matia Kasaija, joined by:
- Energy Minister Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa
- Minister for Animal Husbandry Hon. Bright Rwamirama
- Uganda’s High Commissioner to Malaysia, Amb. Betty O. Bigombe
- Uganda Chamber of Commerce President Olive Kigongo
- Senior Presidential Adviser on Exports Mrs. Susan Muhwezi
- Chief of Protocol Amb. Charles Ssentongo
The opening ceremony was officiated by Hon. Yang Bhg Muhtar Hashim, Executive Director of Malaysia’s Chemical Industries Council, who expressed Malaysia’s readiness to expand trade ties and investment flows between the two nations.
📈 Why Malaysia? Why Now?
Speaking at the ceremony, Finance Minister Matia Kasaija underscored Uganda’s conducive legal and business climate, noting the country’s liberalised economy and welcoming stance toward investors.
Energy Minister Ruth Nankabirwa emphasized Uganda’s no-export policy on raw materials, calling on investors to explore value-added mineral processing.
“We have the world’s best iron ore, along with copper, oil, gold, and other minerals awaiting sustainable development,” she said.
🌍 Uganda as a Regional Gateway
Ambassador Betty Bigombe spoke passionately about Uganda’s potential:
“This is more than a business forum. It is a bridge between nations and between vision and action.”
She highlighted Uganda’s youthful population, abundant natural resources, and its strategic location as a gateway to:
- East African Community (EAC) – 300+ million consumers
- COMESA – A vast regional economic bloc
Investors in Uganda, she noted, gain access to multiple regional markets and a fast-growing economy.
🔍 Focus Sectors at the Uganda Pearl of Africa Trade Expo
The two-day expo focuses on five national development sectors, including:
1. Agro-Industrialisation
Uganda’s fertile lands and agricultural diversity offer opportunities in agro-processing, value addition, and export-oriented agribusiness.
2. Tourism Development
Bigombe invited Malaysian investors to explore Uganda’s eco-tourism potential through:
- Lodges and hospitality infrastructure
- Investment in national parks like Kidepo, Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls, and the Rwenzori Mountains
3. Oil and Gas
Projects such as:
- East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP)
- Hoima Oil Refinery
- Logistics hubs for the petroleum supply chain
are open for investment.
4. Science and Technology
Uganda’s digital transformation agenda supports:
- ICT parks
- Youth innovation hubs
- Assembly plants for tech devices
5. Mineral Development
With resources like gold, cobalt, rare earths, Uganda seeks sustainable, high-value mineral investments.
🧾 Investor Incentives and Institutional Support
Amb. Bigombe reaffirmed Uganda’s investor-friendly framework, including:
- 100% foreign ownership in most sectors
- Profit repatriation guarantees
- Tax holidays and customs exemptions for priority sectors
The Uganda Investment Authority (UIA) offers a one-stop center for:
- Licenses
- Land access
- Regulatory guidance
- Tax advisory
UIA has also profiled over 120 bankable projects ranging from industrial parks to road infrastructure and agribusiness ventures.
🤝 Private Sector Engagement
The Uganda Pearl of Africa Trade Expo has attracted a wide range of private investors from Uganda and Malaysia, aiming to build bilateral commercial partnerships and explore sector-specific joint ventures.
Conclusion: Building Economic Bridges Across Continents
As Uganda positions itself on the global investment map, the Pearl of Africa Trade Expo in Malaysia highlights a renewed push for foreign direct investment, sectoral diversification, and regional market integration.
With a focus on mutual opportunity, strategic location, and strong policy support, Uganda is signaling that it is open for business—and ready to lead in Africa’s next wave of growth.
