Uganda and Nigeria have called for stronger private-sector partnerships, increased trade and investment as the two countries seek to deepen economic cooperation following the Uganda–Nigeria Business Forum and Exhibition.
The two-day engagement brought together government officials, investors and business leaders from both countries to explore opportunities in trade, industrialisation, technology transfer and joint ventures.
During the Investment and Business Showcase, Uganda promoted its free zones as platforms for investors seeking to establish production and export bases for regional markets. The country highlighted incentives, including tax and duty exemptions, as well as its strategic access to East and Central African markets.
Participants identified investment opportunities in agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, technology, pharmaceuticals, construction, cement, mining, infrastructure, food processing and the creative industries, alongside defence and security.
The forum also emphasised the need to strengthen business-to-business connections, harmonise standards and reduce regulatory and trade barriers that continue to limit intra-African commerce.
Nigeria’s large consumer market was presented as a major opportunity for Ugandan businesses, with participants encouraging increased market access, diaspora participation and direct commercial partnerships.
Uganda was further positioned as a competitive investment destination and gateway to regional markets, supported by its participation in regional trade blocs and the African Continental Free Trade Area, alongside investment incentives and a one-stop system for facilitating business approvals.
The discussions concluded with a call for businesses to move beyond dialogue and convert identified opportunities into concrete deals, with a focus on value addition, technology development, job creation and expanded production.
The two countries are now expected to strengthen private-sector engagement as they seek to translate the forum’s resolutions into practical investments and increased trade between Uganda and Nigeria.