Uganda’s State Minister for Finance in charge of Investment and Privatisation, Hon. Evelyn Anite, has called on global investors to seize the vast opportunities emerging in Uganda, declaring the East African nation “fertile—not just in soil but in opportunity.”
Delivering an unscripted and impassioned keynote at the 2nd Equity Bank Investor Trade Mission in Kampala, Hon. Anite welcomed delegates from over 17 countries, including France, Egypt, India, Ethiopia, Sri Lanka, and Kenya, and urged them to make Uganda their business home.
“If there is any bank that understands the African dream, it is Equity Bank,” Anite stated. “Their vision aligns perfectly with President Museveni’s mission to move Ugandans from poverty to prosperity.”
The Minister emphasised that Uganda offers not only peace and political stability, but also some of the most investor-friendly policies on the continent. These include tax exemptions on industrial machinery, repatriation of profits, and access to a 1.4 billion-person market through the East African Community and AfCFTA.
“Uganda is peaceful, stable, and ready for business,” she said. “We have policies that not only secure your investment but also allow you to thrive.”
A Partner, Not Just a Regulator
Citing successful partnerships with local manufacturers, Anite stressed that the Ugandan government actively supports businesses, especially those producing locally. She shared a story of a young pharmaceutical entrepreneur who now supplies national health institutions, thanks to government affirmative procurement policies.
“Our government is not just a regulator—we are your business partner,” she emphasised. “If you manufacture in Uganda, we will ensure government agencies buy from you first.”
Anite highlighted priority investment sectors, including agriculture, tourism, extractives, housing, ICT, and hospitality. Noting a persistent housing deficit, she urged developers to bring global hotel brands like Marriott and Radisson Blu to Uganda. “We are ready,” she said. “Bring your brands. Bring your investments. We welcome you.”
She also announced that government land is available for value-added projects like coffee processing, with incentives such as tax holidays and duty-free importation of machinery.
In closing, Anite urged all investors to act boldly and make deals while in Uganda. “This is your moment. If you’ve come to Uganda, don’t leave without making a deal,” she said. “May God bless your ventures and open doors for your success.” “Come, invest, grow, and make Uganda your home,” she added.
Championing Investment in Uganda
Gift Shoko, Managing Director of Equity Bank Uganda, thanked investors for attending and reaffirmed the bank’s mission to serve as a strategic partner in unlocking Uganda’s investment potential.
“Uganda continues to prove itself as one of the most promising investment hubs on the continent,” Shoko noted. “At Equity, our role is to amplify Uganda’s voice on the global stage.”
He outlined Equity Group’s business model—driven by banking, fintech, insurance, and investment services—and its unique three-engine approach: economic, social, and environmental impact. “We are not just bankers—we are builders of dreams,” he said. “Whether you are in agriculture, manufacturing, logistics, or digital services, Equity will walk the journey with you.”
The Group’s Africa Resilience and Recovery Plan (ARRP) aims to transform 100 million lives by 2030 through inclusive financing, trade facilitation, and technology adoption.
A Hands-On Approach
A.Q. Hamza, Director of International Trade Relations at Equity Group, shared how the bank goes beyond banking to act as a long-term business partner. “We don’t just aim to be transactional—we want to be your partners in growth,” Hamza said.
He described how Equity organises field visits, B2B engagements, and follow-up technical support after each mission. One participant, he revealed, secured a potential food export order after a business introduction made just a day earlier.
“We bridge gaps—between markets, between people, between opportunities,” he said. “And we stay with you long after the handshake.”
Hamza highlighted Equity’s three support strategies: trade missions, digital workshops, and tailored business facilitation. “Many businesses stagnated during the pandemic. Through these missions, we are helping them bounce back, grow again, and expand regionally,” he added.
The Investor Trade Mission, co-hosted by Equity Bank Uganda and supported by the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, drew hundreds of participants, including diplomats, sector heads, financial institutions, and entrepreneurs. It served as a critical platform for business networking, deal-making, and advancing Uganda’s ambition to become Africa’s investment jewel.
