The Uganda Investment Authority (UIA) has officially invited Chinese partners to establish manufacturing and processing hubs in Uganda. This invitation comes as part of the first Agricultural Trade and Investment Conference between Uganda and the Chinese city of Qingdao, held on December 10, 2025. The conference focused on five key sectors: agricultural production, value addition, agro-processing, aquaculture, and manufacturing.
Strengthening Uganda-China Ties
The conference, which was hosted by the Embassy of Uganda in Beijing in partnership with Qingdao municipal authorities, aimed to promote bilateral trade and investment between Uganda and China. Uganda’s ambassador to China, Oliver Wonekha, emphasized that the country is looking for partnerships focused on industrial growth, technology transfer, and investment financing. “Uganda is prepared for transformative partnerships grounded in industrialisation, technology transfer, and trade facilitation,” she said.
The event attracted representatives from both government and private sectors, highlighting Uganda’s potential to serve regional and continental markets through the East African Community (EAC) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Wonekha added that Uganda offers exceptional opportunities for agricultural production, value addition, and manufacturing, making it an attractive destination for Chinese investment.
Opportunities for Chinese Investors in Uganda
Fred Kakooza, the Deputy Director General of the One-Stop Centre at the UIA, reinforced the invitation to Chinese investors. He noted that Uganda offers numerous benefits for foreign investors, including generous tax incentives, strong protections, and vast opportunities across agriculture, manufacturing, and agro-processing sectors. Kakooza emphasized that Uganda is one of Africa’s most promising investment destinations, especially for manufacturing hubs targeting regional exports.
Moving Forward with Manufacturing Hubs
The invitation to Chinese investors to set up manufacturing hubs is expected to create significant opportunities for Uganda’s economy. The collaboration will boost local production capabilities and help meet regional demand. By tapping into China’s advanced manufacturing technologies, Uganda aims to position itself as a key player in global supply chains.