BUTEMBO, DRC — In a renewed effort to expand trade and investment between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the Uganda Embassy in Kinshasa, in collaboration with public and private sector partners from both countries, has organised the Uganda–DRC Business Connect Forum and Expo in the city of Butembo, eastern DRC.
Held under the theme “Strengthening Business Linkages for Socio-Economic Transformation,” the forum aims to foster stronger commercial ties, boost cross-border trade, and promote sustainable partnerships between Ugandan and Congolese enterprises.
According to the organisers, the event serves as a platform for government officials, private sector players, and development partners to identify and address key barriers to trade and investment while exploring practical solutions to create a more conducive business environment.
High-Level Delegations in Attendance
The Democratic Republic of Congo is represented by H.E. Julien Paluku, Minister of External Trade; H.E. Evariste Somo Kakule, Governor of North Kivu Province; and Hon. Sylvain Kanyamanda Mbusa, Mayor of Butembo, among other senior officials.
Uganda’s delegation includes Gen. Wilson Mbasu Mbadi, Minister of State for Trade; Amb. Alhajji Farid M. Kaliisa, Uganda’s Ambassador to Kinshasa; senior officials from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives; representatives from the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU) and the Uganda National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (UNCCI); as well as members of Uganda’s business community.
50+ Enterprises Showcasing Ugandan Products
The Expo has attracted over 50 Ugandan enterprises exhibiting a diverse range of “Made-in-Uganda” products — from agricultural produce, poultry and dairy, agro-inputs, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics to textiles, apparel, and construction materials.
These businesses are networking with potential buyers and investors from key DRC cities such as Beni, Butembo, Kisangani, Goma, and Bukavu. Organisers say the forum presents a unique opportunity to match Ugandan exporters with Congolese traders and distributors eager to expand product access across eastern DRC.
“Butembo, being the second-largest city in North Kivu Province, plays a vital role in regional commerce,” Ambassador Kaliisa noted. “Its extensive trade links, even as far as Kinshasa, make it a strategic location for Uganda to deepen its commercial footprint in the DRC.”
Roads and Regional Integration Driving Growth
The forum also highlighted ongoing joint infrastructure projects that are transforming regional connectivity and boosting trade. Uganda and DRC are currently implementing the construction of key road corridors, including Mpondwe/Kasindi–Beni (80 km), Beni–Butembo (54 km), and Bunagana–Rutshuru–Goma (89 km).
Once completed, these roads are expected to reduce transport costs, improve market access, and accelerate socio-economic growth on both sides of the border.
Supported by the European Union and TradeMark Africa (TMA), the two countries are also working under the Peaceful and Resilient Borderlands Programme, which aims to transform cross-border trade into a driver of peace, regional integration, and prosperity. The initiative focuses on empowering small-scale traders, promoting gender-inclusive business practices, and facilitating the free movement of goods and people.
Trade Between Uganda and DRC on the Rise
Recent data from the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) shows Uganda’s exports to the DRC nearly doubled, rising from USD 432.4 million in 2016/17 to USD 981.5 million in 2024/25. Similarly, DRC’s exports to Uganda grew significantly — from USD 23 billion in 2020 to USD 59.8 billion in 2024.
This upward trend is attributed to improved security, better transport infrastructure, and DRC’s entry into the East African Community (EAC), which has opened new trade opportunities across the region.
Ambassador Kaliisa expressed optimism that, with the strategies currently being implemented, Uganda’s exports to DRC could surpass USD 2 billion in the next few years.
Leaders Call for Removal of Trade Barriers
In their opening remarks, leaders from both countries emphasised the need for peace, transparency, and fair trade policies to sustain growth. “Trade can only thrive in an environment that is predictable, transparent, and free,” said one of the speakers. “Uganda and DRC must continue working together to eliminate non-tariff barriers, address discriminatory tax practices, and create a level playing field for all traders.”
The Business Connect Forum marks another milestone in the deepening economic partnership between Uganda and the DRC — a relationship built not just on shared borders, but on a shared vision for regional transformation, inclusive growth, and lasting peace.