Kampala, Uganda: The Growth Gateway – a one-stop trade and investment support was launched Tuesday, November 15, 2022, by Lord Popat of Harrow, the UK Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Uganda.
The Growth Gateway platform will provide easy access to UK trade information and private sector development programs to facilitate business partnerships between UK and African businesses, offer advisory support by sector experts and share information on high-potential UK and African investment opportunities.
It comprises of providing up-to-date information on the UK’s trade, investment and finance offers, as well as African market guides, UK sector guides and a tool to help businesses understand what support they may need, and how best to access it and access to a UK-based team of trade and investment professionals, to help African firms export to the UK, find investment partners, and help UK and international companies to trade with and invest in Africa.
Originally launched at the UK Government’s annual African Investment Conference in January 2022, the Growth Gateway brings together international commercial expertise from across UK Government and the private sector, supporting trade and investment between Africa and the UK.
The Growth Gateway has already identified more than 50 deals and processed over 200 enquiries from UK/African businesses looking for support with trade and investment.
Following the success of the UK-Uganda coffee competition last year, the Growth Gateway has already supported a coffee trade mission to Uganda and is looking to build on the success of the UK – Uganda Green Growth Conference.
Uganda is an important trading partner for the UK, with bilateral trade in goods and services estimated at £252m in the past year.
UK foreign direct investment to Uganda is significant with £214 million invested in 2021, across energy, financial and professional service sectors. There are over 200 UK businesses invested across Uganda. By encouraging business-to-business links, the Growth Gateway promotes two-way trade and investment between businesses and creates stronger connections for positive development and greater commercial impact.
The British High Commissioner, Her Excellency Kate Airey OBE said: “Enabling Uganda’s private sector to easily access the UK’s Trade and Investment offer will support mutual prosperity and growth. We are proud of what the UK and Uganda are achieving together and welcome this step in cementing stronger investment links.”
Lord Popat of Harrow, on his part, said: “There are countless opportunities to strengthen the UK and Uganda relationship and we need to make the most of them. Growth Gateway will make it easier for Ugandan and British businesses to access the support they need to boost two-way trade and investment.”