Uganda and Nigeria are seeking to turn their longstanding diplomatic relationship into stronger commercial partnerships as government officials, investors and business leaders meet at the Uganda–Nigeria Business Forum and Exhibition in Kampala.

The forum, taking place on September 9–10, 2026, is focused on expanding trade, investment and business linkages between the two countries while using the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to improve access to markets across Africa. The event is being convened by the Uganda High Commission in Abuja in partnership with the governments of Uganda and Nigeria.

Uganda's Minister of State for Trade, Hon. Gen. Wilson Mbadi, said the relationship between Uganda and Nigeria should move beyond diplomatic goodwill and produce tangible economic opportunities for businesses in both countries.

Speaking under the theme “Enhancing Business Linkages and Market Access through the AfCFTA Framework,” Mbadi called for greater intra-African trade, pointing to Uganda's agricultural potential, strategic position and industrial ambitions alongside Nigeria's strong entrepreneurial base.

He said bilateral trade between Uganda and Nigeria has room to grow and urged businesses to look beyond traditional commodities towards areas such as agro-processing, technology and services.

The minister also highlighted Uganda's potential as an entry point to the wider East African market, while the AfCFTA provides a framework for businesses to pursue opportunities across the continent.

Mbadi further pointed to the presence of Nigerian financial institutions in Uganda and Nigeria's well-established creative sector as areas where the two countries could deepen cooperation.

The Ugandan minister reaffirmed the government's commitment to creating a stable and competitive environment for investors. He also called for action to address non-tariff barriers and improve connectivity between the two markets.

Air transport featured prominently in discussions about strengthening commercial relations.

Uganda Airlines Chief Executive Officer Girma Wake described airlines as more than transportation providers, arguing that air connectivity can serve as a bridge between people, businesses, goods, services and markets.

For Uganda and Nigeria, improved connectivity can make it easier for entrepreneurs and investors to travel between the two countries while supporting trade, tourism and investment.

Uganda Airlines currently lists both Lagos and Abuja among its Nigerian destinations, providing direct air links between Uganda and Nigeria.

Wake said the airline should therefore be viewed as an enabler of economic development and regional integration rather than simply as a means of moving passengers.

Nigeria also reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation.

Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, mni, DRM, representing the Office of the Secretary to the Government of Nigeria, assured participants that outstanding memoranda of understanding and agreements between Uganda and Nigeria would be concluded and signed before the next Joint Permanent Commission.

According to the statement delivered at the forum, the process is expected to be completed within 2026.

Kana thanked the Ugandan government and people for the reception given to the Nigerian delegation and described the welcome as evidence of the longstanding relationship between the two countries.

He also called for stronger people-to-people and business exchanges, encouraging Ugandans to visit Nigeria and Nigerians to explore opportunities in Uganda.

The goal, he said, is to create more opportunities for partnerships, trade and investment between the two countries.

The business forum comes as Uganda seeks to strengthen its commercial links with West Africa, while Nigerian companies explore opportunities in East African markets.

The Uganda High Commission in Abuja said the 2026 forum brings together government officials, investors, business leaders, entrepreneurs, trade and investment promotion institutions and other private-sector stakeholders. More than 20 Nigerian companies and investors are participating or expected to participate, with interests including manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, financial services, ICT, digital payments, agriculture and other sectors.

The forum includes business-to-business engagement, investment showcases, business pitches, sector discussions and an exhibition intended to connect companies with potential investors and commercial partners.

Agriculture and agro-processing are among the areas identified for deeper cooperation, alongside technology, financial services, manufacturing, tourism and the creative economy.

The engagement also seeks to address practical obstacles that can limit cross-border commerce, including market-entry requirements, standards compliance, product registration and other non-tariff barriers.

For Uganda and Nigeria, the broader objective is to translate political and diplomatic relations into business relationships that generate greater trade, investment and market access.

The forum is therefore positioning economic diplomacy as a practical tool for connecting East and West African businesses and helping companies take advantage of opportunities created by AfCFTA.