‘Golden Gateway’: Uganda Courts Thai Investors with Access to 500M African Consumers

Bangkok — The Uganda High Commission in Kuala Lumpur, accredited to the Kingdom of Thailand, has showcased Uganda as one of Africa’s most promising new investment destinations during “The Pearl of Africa – Uganda Business Forum & Expo 2025 – Thailand Chapter,” held on 26 November 2025 at the Intercontinental Bangkok.

The forum promoted trade, investment, and tourism collaboration between Uganda and Thailand, spotlighting four priority sectors: Tourism & Hospitality, Agro-Industrialisation & Food Processing, ICT & Innovation, and Mining, Oil & Gas.

Uganda also presented its competitive investment incentives—including Free Economic Zones, tax exemptions, import duty waivers, guaranteed profit repatriation, investment certification, and one-stop investor support—positioning itself as a strategic gateway to over 500 million consumers across the EAC and COMESA markets under the banner of “Sustainable Shared Prosperity.”

Minister of State for Trade in charge of Co-operatives, Hon. Fredrick Ngobi Gume, told delegates that the Expo aims to deepen economic, trade, investment, and tourism ties between Uganda and Asian economies.

“This forum is designed to strengthen economic, trade, investment, and tourism ties and to facilitate knowledge exchange between government agencies, the private sector, and investors,” he said.

He added that Uganda seeks strong partnerships in four priority sectors and encouraged Thai participation, noting: “We invite Thai investors to participate in mineral exploration, refining, value addition, renewable energy development, and energy investment networks connecting Thailand and Africa.”

Uganda’s High Commissioner to Malaysia, also accredited to Thailand, Amb. Betty Bigombe underscored Uganda’s growing appeal as an investment destination. “Uganda is emerging as Africa’s new investment destination, offering stability, competitive incentives, and access to over 500 million consumers through the EAC and COMESA,” she said.

“We are strategically located at the heart of the continent. Uganda’s bilateral trade with Thailand increased by USD 59 million in 2024, demonstrating growing confidence and immense untapped potential.”

Representing the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Richard Kabonero highlighted the event’s growing momentum. “Previous editions of this forum in Indonesia and Malaysia received positive responses. The Thailand edition aims to expand economic opportunities further and deepen Thai-Uganda cooperation,” he said.

Thailand’s government was represented by H.E. Mrs Urasa Mongkolnavin, Director General of the Department of South Asian, Middle East and African Affairs, who praised Uganda’s sustained engagement.

“We commend the Government of Uganda for its consistency and enthusiasm in promoting the ample opportunities it offers in Thailand and across Southeast Asia,” she said.

Reflecting on a successful familiarisation trip for Thai tour operators in December 2024, she added: “I am delighted to inform you that these Thai companies are now successfully offering tour packages to Uganda, the ‘Pearl of Africa,’ bringing Thai tourists to experience Uganda’s unique experiential tourism.”

Ms Mongkolnavin announced that Thailand is revitalising its long-standing engagement with Africa. “We are actively relaunching the Thailand-Africa Initiative, first introduced in 2011. It signals our renewed commitment to deeper partnerships with Africa across political, economic, development, and international dimensions,” she said.

The Uganda Business Forum featured panel discussions, B2B and G2G engagements, and sector-specific presentations. Uganda’s delegation included senior officials from the Ministries of Trade, Foreign Affairs, ICT, and Agriculture (MAAIF), as well as representatives from Uganda Development Corporation, NSSF, the Uganda National Chamber of Commerce, the Uganda Tourism Association, and private-sector leaders.