Uganda has reaffirmed its position as a competitive and investor-friendly destination during the Uganda–China Coffee, Investment and Destination Conference held at Mestil Hotel in Kampala.

The high-level conference brought together Ugandan government officials and Chinese diplomatic representatives to deepen economic cooperation, expand trade opportunities, and promote investment across key sectors of Uganda’s economy.

Uganda Highlights Strong Investment Environment

Speaking at the conference, officials from the Uganda Investment Authority presented Uganda as a stable and attractive investment destination. The country continues to offer a liberal investment regime that allows 100% foreign ownership, alongside tax incentives, industrial parks, and a One Stop Centre that streamlines business registration and licensing.

Uganda’s gdp, stands at approximately $61 billion, and continues to show resilience supported by steady growth and a stable macroeconomic environment. The country also provides investors access to a combined regional market of over 600 million consumers through the East African Community, COMESA, and the African Continental Free Trade Area.

Key priority sectors highlighted include agro-industrialisation, tourism, manufacturing, minerals, infrastructure, energy, and science and technology, with strong emphasis on value addition and industrial development.

Strengthening Uganda–China Economic Relations

Uganda’s Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr Vincent Bagiire Waiswa, emphasized Uganda’s commitment to strengthening strategic cooperation with China. He noted that Uganda’s rich agricultural base, particularly coffee production, continues to play a central role in bilateral trade relations.

He highlighted Uganda’s investor-friendly environment, stable political climate, and growing infrastructure base as key drivers of long-term investment opportunities. He also encouraged investors to transition from trade engagement to sustainable investment partnerships.

China Highlights Expanding Trade and Investment

The Charge d’Affaires ad interim of the Chinese Embassy in Uganda, Mr Fan Xuecheng, underscored the growing strength of Uganda–China relations. He pointed to Uganda’s economic growth of over 6% and its youthful, skilled population as key investment drivers.

Trade between Uganda and China reached a record $2.1 billion in 2025, representing a 43.5% increase, reflecting rapidly expanding economic ties.

Uganda’s exports to China continue to grow, particularly coffee, fish, and chili, with emerging opportunities in agricultural products such as fruits, grains, and oilseeds. The introduction of zero-tariff policies has further improved Uganda’s access to the Chinese market.

Coffee at the Center of Bilateral Cooperation

Coffee remains a central pillar of Uganda’s export economy and a key focus of the conference. Officials emphasized its role in driving value addition, agro-industrialisation, and export diversification.

The liberalised coffee value chain in Uganda allows opportunities across production, processing, branding, and export, positioning the sector as a major engine for economic growth and foreign exchange earnings.

Prospects for Uganda–China Cooperation

Both Uganda and China reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation under frameworks such as the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and the Belt and Road Initiative.

The conference concluded with a shared commitment to strengthening mutually beneficial partnerships that support sustainable development, economic transformation, and shared prosperity.