KAMPALA – Uganda is set to make a strong pitch for investment at the upcoming Pearl of Africa Business Forum & Expo 2025, as the country seeks to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and bolster its economic ties with Southeast Asia.
The forum, scheduled to take place on April 23-24 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, will provide a platform for Ugandan businesses to connect with Asian investors, policymakers, and industry leaders.
According to Amb. Charles Ssentongo, representing the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Uganda’s peaceful business environment, combined with its attractive investment policies, creates a compelling case for foreign businesses to consider Uganda as a prime destination for investment.
“The partnerships we have fostered with countries like Malaysia under frameworks such as the Commonwealth and South-South Cooperation hold tremendous promise,” Ambassador Ssentongo remarked.
He stressed that Uganda’s goal is to modernize its economy and expand its market access, and that these strategic partnerships are pivotal to achieving this objective.
The session was moderated by Margaret Kafeero, the Head of Public Diplomacy at MOFA, who called upon the media to shift its focus from politics to highlighting the tangible economic strides being made.
“While we cannot ignore the political landscape, there is a larger story – the story of Uganda’s economic transformation,” she stated.
Kafeero emphasized the need for Ugandan journalists to engage more deeply with diplomatic missions abroad, encouraging them to uncover the work being done to promote Uganda as an investment hub on the global stage.
In addition to the diplomatic push, Honorary Consul of Malaysia to Uganda, Al Haji Habib Kagimu, made a pointed remark about the crucial role foreign trade plays in a nation’s economic survival.
Drawing comparisons with Singapore and Malaysia, Kagimu highlighted how these countries, with smaller populations, boast impressive GDPs—$501 billion for Singapore and nearly $400 billion for Malaysia.
He suggested that Uganda, with its goal of a $500 billion economy within 15 years, must prioritize trade and investment over political discourse to achieve this target.
“The focus must be on industrialization, trade, and making money, rather than solely on politics,” Kagimu emphasized, urging the media to publicize opportunities for Ugandan businesses abroad.
Uganda’s High Commissioner to Malaysia, H.E. Ambassador Oyella Betty Bigombe, underscored the significance of the Pearl of Africa Business Forum & Expo 2025, stating that it offers a unique opportunity for Uganda to gain deeper access to the ASEAN market.
“This forum is not just about exhibitions,” she noted. “It is a business matchmaking platform, where manufacturers, investors, and industrialists will have the chance to form alliances that drive meaningful investment.”
Ambassador Bigombe also spoke about Uganda’s strategic plans for expanding its presence in the ASEAN market. She pointed out that Malaysia’s chairmanship of ASEAN in 2025 presents a prime opportunity for Uganda to gain deeper access to the region’s robust markets.
Ambassador Elly Kamahungye, Head of International Economic Cooperation at MOFA, echoed these sentiments, outlining Uganda’s aspirations in agriculture, oil and gas, ICT, and tourism as key areas for collaboration.
Kamahungye emphasized the need for sustained engagement with Asian investors to capitalize on Uganda’s agricultural potential, particularly in coffee, tea, and palm oil production, as well as opportunities in oil exploration and ICT innovation.
The Honorary Consul of Thailand to Uganda, Ms. Barbara Mulwana, a prominent figure in Uganda’s private sector, also made an insightful contribution to the discussion.
When asked about the value of attending the upcoming expo, she emphasized that the event offers more than just an exhibition—it serves as an educational platform for business leaders to understand market dynamics and risks.
“We attend such events not just for the exhibitions but to learn, make strategic decisions, and mitigate risks,” Mulwana stated, further highlighting the event’s significance in fostering strong, actionable business partnerships.
As Uganda prepares to make its strong pitch for investment, the country is positioning itself as a leading investment destination in Africa, with its focus on sustainable growth, industrialization, and modernization.
The Government of Uganda, through its High Commission in Malaysia, is fully committed to ensuring the success of this event, which is poised to leave an indelible mark on Uganda’s economic future.
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