LUSAKA, ZAMBIA
The Uganda–Zambia Trade and Investment Forum was convened at the Taj Pamodzi Hotel in Lusaka, bringing together government officials, investors, tourism stakeholders, private sector leaders, and business representatives from both countries to explore opportunities for deeper economic collaboration.
Organised by the Uganda High Commission in Zambia in partnership with the Zambia Development Agency, the forum was held under the theme: “Exploring and Tapping into the Rich Opportunities for Deeper Collaboration.” The discussions were focused on enhancing bilateral trade, investment, tourism, energy, mining, manufacturing, and broader economic cooperation between Uganda and Zambia.
In attendance were H.E. Col (Rtd) Fred Mwesigye, Uganda’s High Commissioner to Zambia; Amb. Richard Kabonero, Head of Regional Economic Cooperation at Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Ms. Lilian Walya, Permanent Secretary at Zambia’s Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry; and several representatives from Uganda’s public and private sectors. Other participants include officials from the Uganda Investment Authority, Uganda Tourism Board, Uganda Chamber of Energy and Minerals, Uganda Airlines, and companies from Zambia such as Yatu T, Jewel of Africa, Union Gold, Proton Electrical Cables, and Trekking Travels and Tours.
In his remarks, H.E. Col (Rtd) Fred Mwesigye reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to strengthening economic diplomacy and regional integration through strategic partnerships with Zambia. He highlighted Uganda’s strategic location at the heart of East Africa, its investment-friendly environment, youthful workforce, and the country’s vast opportunities in agriculture, tourism, ICT, infrastructure, manufacturing, energy, and mineral development.
He noted that the forum provided a critical platform for Business-to-Business (B2B) and Business-to-Government (B2G) engagements aimed at promoting joint ventures, technology transfer, regional value chains, and increased trade and investment flows between the two nations. Speaking at the event, Mrs. Lilian Walya emphasised the importance of intra-African trade and private sector-led growth in driving economic transformation and job creation across the continent. She pointed out that Uganda can source products such as fertilizer, cement, sugar, tiles, and homecare products from Zambia while also exploring investment opportunities in manufacturing, agriculture, energy, mining, tourism, and ICT.
Mrs. Walya further highlighted Zambia’s ongoing efforts to improve the business environment through trade facilitation reforms, investment incentives, and strengthened public-private dialogue. She noted that Zambia’s single-window trade system has streamlined border processes, reduced delays, and enhanced efficiency for businesses operating across borders. The forum continues to underscore the shared commitment by Uganda and Zambia to deepen bilateral cooperation, strengthen intra-African trade, and unlock sustainable economic growth through strategic partnerships and increased private sector collaboration.
