UPDATES: The Uganda 🇺🇬- Zambia🇿🇲 Trade and Business Forum is underway in Lusaka under the theme: “Exploring and Tapping into the Rich Opportunities for Deeper Collaboration.”
In his remarks, H.E. Col (Rtd) Fred Mwesigye, Uganda’s High Commissioner to Zambia, reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to strengthening economic diplomacy, regional integration, trade, investment, tourism, energy, mining, manufacturing, and industrial partnerships between Uganda and Zambia.
He highlighted Uganda’s strategic location at the heart of East Africa, its investment-friendly environment, youthful workforce, and the vast opportunities available across agriculture, tourism, energy, ICT, infrastructure, manufacturing, and mineral development.
He further noted that the Forum is providing a platform for B2B and B2G engagements aimed at fostering joint ventures, technology transfer, regional value chains, and increased trade and investment flows between the two countries.
In her remarks, Mrs. Lilian Walya, Permanent Secretary at Zambia’s Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry, emphasized the importance of intra-African trade, regional integration, and private sector-led growth as key drivers of economic transformation and job creation. She noted that Uganda can source products such as fertilizer, cement, sugar, tiles, and homecare products from Zambia.
Mrs. Walya also highlighted Zambia’s investment opportunities in manufacturing, agriculture, energy, mining, tourism, and ICT, while reaffirming Government’s commitment to improving the business environment through trade facilitation reforms, investment incentives, and strengthened public-private dialogue.
She further noted that through the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry, Zambia has introduced a single window system that has streamlined trade processes, reduced border delays, and enhanced efficiency. In addition, the Government continues to provide incentives for investors operating in Special Economic Zones, rural areas, and selected priority sectors.
The discussions continue to underscore the shared commitment by Uganda and Zambia to deepen bilateral cooperation, strengthen intra-African trade, and unlock sustainable economic growth through strategic partnerships and private sector collaboration.