Uganda is gearing up to present its investment opportunities on a global stage at the Pearl of Africa Business Forum & Expo 2025, scheduled for April 23-24 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Organized by the Uganda High Commission in Malaysia, the event aims to attract foreign direct investment (FDI), boost bilateral trade, and strengthen Uganda’s economic ties with Southeast Asian countries, including Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam.
During a media briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in Kampala, Ugandan diplomats and business leaders underscored the importance of fostering trade and investment partnerships in the region.
Ambassador Charles Ssentongo, representing the Permanent Secretary of MOFA, highlighted Uganda’s strong diplomatic ties with Malaysia and other Asian nations, describing them as key to the country’s economic transformation.
“The partnerships we have built, particularly under the Commonwealth and South-South Cooperation frameworks, offer significant opportunities for investment,” Ssentongo said.
He emphasized that Uganda’s stable business environment and investor-friendly policies make it an attractive destination for foreign businesses.
The forum is expected to serve as a hub for business matchmaking, with opportunities for government-to-government and business-to-business engagements.
Uganda’s High Commissioner to Malaysia, H.E. Ambassador Oyella Betty Bigombe, noted that the event is not just about exhibitions but also about forging tangible investment deals.
“This is a platform for manufacturers, investors, and industrialists to form alliances that drive meaningful investment in Uganda,” Ambassador Bigombe stated.
She also pointed out that Malaysia’s chairmanship of ASEAN in 2025 presents a unique opportunity for Uganda to expand its reach in the region’s fast-growing markets.
Honorary Consul of Malaysia to Uganda, Al Haji Habib Kagimu, stressed the need for Uganda to prioritize trade and industrialization over political discourse.
Comparing Uganda’s economic aspirations to nations like Singapore and Malaysia, Kagimu urged stakeholders to focus on wealth creation and business expansion.
Ambassador Elly Kamahungye, Head of International Economic Cooperation at MOFA, outlined key investment areas, including agriculture, oil and gas, ICT, and tourism.
He called for stronger engagement with Asian investors to unlock Uganda’s economic potential.
The expo is also expected to provide insights for Ugandan businesses looking to expand internationally.
Honorary Consul of Thailand to Uganda, Ms. Barbara Mulwana, noted that such events help business leaders understand market dynamics and mitigate risks before entering foreign markets.
As Uganda prepares for the forum, the government is also addressing concerns about Ugandan migrants facing challenges in Southeast Asia.
Ambassador Bigombe assured that diplomatic efforts are underway to ensure the safe return of affected Ugandans and advised job seekers to use official channels to avoid exploitation.
With Uganda eyeing a $500 billion economy by 2040, the Pearl of Africa Business Forum & Expo 2025 is seen as a crucial step toward attracting foreign investment and positioning the country as a key player in Africa’s economic development.
