Lilomgwe, Malawi – Uganda and Malawi strengthened their economic partnership after the successful opening day of the second Uganda–Malawi Business Forum and Exhibition, which took place at the President Hotel in Umodzi Park, Lilongwe. The forum, held under the theme “Exploring and tapping into the rich opportunities for deeper collaboration,” ran until November 22, 2025, and was organised by the Uganda High Commission in Dar es Salaam in collaboration with the Government of Malawi.
The event marked an important step in advancing trade, investment, and regional cooperation by creating awareness of potential opportunities in both countries. Uganda’s High Commissioner to Tanzania, H.E. Col. (Rtd.) Fred Mwesigye, who is also accredited to Malawi, noted that the forum aimed to identify areas for partnerships in agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, technology, and other emerging sectors. He highlighted Uganda’s steady GDP growth of 5 to 6 percent, and stated that projections pointed to faster expansion driven by oil and gas, agro-industrialisation, ICT, energy, and tourism.
Ambassador Mwesigye pointed out Uganda’s strategic advantage as a gateway to a regional market of more than 700 million people through the EAC, COMESA, and AfCFTA. He also announced improved regional connectivity, confirming that Malawi Airlines would begin operating four weekly flights to Uganda starting on December 15, 2025. A group of Malawian business leaders in agribusiness, manufacturing, and pharmaceuticals was scheduled to travel on the inaugural flight to explore opportunities with Ugandan companies.
He acknowledged the strong cooperation between investment agencies and chambers of commerce in both countries, and encouraged private-sector players to build on these opportunities through continued dialogue and mutually beneficial partnerships.
Speaking on behalf of Malawi’s Minister of Trade, Industrialisation, Business and Tourism, Chief Guest Ms. Sphiwe Msiska stressed the forum’s importance in improving market access within COMESA and the EAC. She outlined investment prospects in agribusiness, agro-processing, mining, manufacturing, energy, and tourism. She also noted that Malawi’s recent rebranding of the Ministry of Trade reflected a renewed emphasis on industrialisation and tourism development. Msiska encouraged Ugandan investors to take advantage of Malawi’s economic zones, natural resources, and incentives such as tax holidays and export-related benefits.
She reaffirmed Malawi’s political stability and assured participants of the Malawi Investment and Trade Centre’s readiness to support investors.
The opening day featured business exhibitions, business-to-business and government engagements, and presentations from key agencies, helping to drive trade, investment, and collaboration in line with Uganda’s NDP IV priorities.
