Lilongwe — The Uganda High Commission in Dar es Salaam, working jointly with the Government of Malawi, has successfully concluded the first day of the second Uganda–Malawi Business Forum and Exhibition at the President Hotel in Umodzi Park, Lilongwe.
The three-day forum, running until November 22 under the theme “Exploring and tapping into the rich opportunities for deeper collaboration,” seeks to strengthen bilateral trade, attract investment, and unlock new regional market opportunities.
The gathering marks a significant step in reinforcing economic cooperation between the two nations, underscoring their mutual commitment to boosting trade, supporting private sector growth, and expanding access to wider markets across COMESA, the EAC, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Speaking at the opening ceremony, H.E. Col (Rtd) Fred Mwesigye, Uganda’s High Commissioner to Tanzania and accredited to Malawi, emphasised the forum’s role in showcasing Uganda’s vast potential across agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, technology, and other emerging sectors.
“This forum is crucial in creating awareness and generating interest among Malawian enterprises about the abundant opportunities available in Uganda—whether in agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, or technology,” Amb. Mwesigye said. “By fostering a deeper understanding of each other’s markets, we pave the way for increased trade, partnerships, and joint ventures.”
Amb. Mwesigye highlighted Uganda’s sustained macroeconomic growth, adding that GDP has averaged between 5–6%, with faster expansion anticipated through developments in oil and gas, agro-industrialisation, tourism recovery, ICT innovation, and energy investments.
He also noted Uganda’s strategic advantage as a gateway to a combined market of over 700 million consumers through the EAC, COMESA, and AfCFTA frameworks. “For investors, this translates into duty-free, quota-free access, reduced tariffs, harmonised standards, and a rapidly growing consumer base,” he said.
On regional connectivity, Mwesigye announced a major milestone following discussions with Malawi Airlines and civil aviation officials: “Beginning 15 December, Malawi Airlines will operate four weekly flights to Uganda. This will greatly ease travel and business linkages.”
He added that an inaugural group of 10–15 Malawi-based business leaders in agribusiness, manufacturing, and pharmaceuticals will travel on the maiden flight to engage with their Ugandan counterparts.
Amb. Mwesigye commended the collaboration between chambers of commerce and investment promotion agencies, acknowledging the leadership of the Malawi Investment and Trade Centre (MITC), MCCI, and Ugandan counterparts for pushing forward actionable outcomes.
He urged both sides to maintain a spirit of mutual benefit: “Let us explore new avenues for cooperation and work together to build a prosperous future for Uganda and Malawi.”
Malawi Calls for Increased Investment in Agribusiness, Mining, and Tourism
Representing the Government of Malawi, Ms Sphiwe Msiska, Director of Administration at the Ministry of Industrialisation, Business, Trade, and Tourism, delivered remarks on behalf of Minister Dr Patridge George.
She welcomed the forum as a key platform for expanding market access within COMESA and the EAC, and noted Malawi’s restructuring of its Ministry of Trade to enhance alignment with national priorities in industrialisation and tourism.
“Malawi offers vast opportunities in agribusiness and agro-processing, with over 70% of our population engaged in agriculture,” Msiska said. “Products such as sugar, macadamia nuts, grape juice, tea, tobacco, and grapes offer huge potential. Ugandan investors can partner with Malawian farmers to improve production, value addition, and exports.”
On industrialisation, she highlighted Malawi’s economic zones aimed at attracting manufacturing investment and promoting joint ventures that add value to raw materials.
Msiska also underscored opportunities in mining, energy, and natural resources, noting that Malawi has underexplored rare-earth elements and is currently open for new exploration licensing—opportunities Ugandan investors are encouraged to pursue.
In tourism, she pointed to Malawi’s rich attractions, including Lake Malawi, cultural sites, and national parks, adding that the new flight connections create opportunities for joint tourism packages.
She reaffirmed Malawi’s stable political environment and investor-friendly policies: “Priority sectors enjoy generous incentives, including up to 10 years of tax holidays, trading allowances, and export-related benefits. As a member of SADC and COMESA, Malawi provides duty-free access to major regional markets.”
Msiska encouraged Ugandan investors to engage MITC for guidance and support, noting that the timing of the forum “could not have been more opportune.”
Day One featured presentations and panel sessions by the Uganda Investment Authority (UIA), Uganda Manufacturers Association, Uganda Airlines, Uganda Chamber of Energy and Minerals, and MITC, focusing on investment incentives, trade opportunities, and the business climate. Business-to-business and government engagements opened pathways for new partnerships and potential joint ventures.
The forum supports Uganda’s broader strategy to attract foreign direct investment and expand market access under the NDP IV and the 2025/2026 budget theme: “Full monetisation of Uganda’s economy through commercial agriculture, industrialisation, expanding and broadening services, digital transformation, and market access.”