KAMPALA — Uganda and Nigeria have called for stronger commercial partnerships and increased intra-African trade as the two countries seek to leverage the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to expand market access and investment.
Speaking at the Uganda–Nigeria Business Forum and Exhibition held at Mestil Hotel in Nsambya, Kampala, Minister of State for Trade, Gen Wilson Mbadi, said the longstanding relationship between the two countries must translate into practical economic cooperation.
Mbadi, speaking under the theme “Enhancing Business Linkages and Market Access through the AfCFTA Framework,” said Uganda and Nigeria should move beyond diplomatic goodwill and build partnerships that generate tangible economic benefits.
“We must move beyond diplomatic goodwill to build tangible economic partnerships,” Mbadi said.
He said Uganda’s strategic location, agricultural potential and industrial ambitions complement Nigeria’s entrepreneurial strength, creating opportunities for expanded trade and investment.
Mbadi noted that although bilateral trade between the two countries is growing, it remains below its potential.
He called for diversification beyond traditional commodities to include agro-processed products, technology and services.
The Minister said Uganda could serve as a gateway to the East African Community (EAC) market of more than 300 million people, while the AfCFTA provides businesses with access to a wider continental market.
He also welcomed the presence of Nigerian financial institutions in Uganda and identified Nigeria’s creative industry as an area with significant potential for deeper cooperation.
Mbadi reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to creating a stable and competitive investment environment, removing non-tariff barriers and improving connectivity between the two countries.
He particularly highlighted the need for stronger air connectivity, including direct links between Entebbe and Lagos.
The Minister urged private-sector players to turn discussions at the forum into concrete business partnerships before officially declaring the forum open.
Stronger commercial cooperation
Amb. Richard Kabonero, Head of Regional Economic Cooperation and ECD, welcomed delegates to the forum and said the meeting was aligned with efforts to support Uganda’s 10-Fold Growth Strategy.
He described the forum as an opportunity to build mutually beneficial partnerships between businesses in the two countries.
Kabonero highlighted Uganda’s growing capabilities in research, pharmaceuticals and manufacturing, including the production of sickle cell medicine, while pointing to Nigeria’s creative industry as an area of potential collaboration.
Amb. Misitura Abdulraheem, Charge d’Affaires at the Nigeria High Commission in Kampala, said the forum should provide more than an opportunity for exchanging ideas.
She said it should help identify practical opportunities for deeper cooperation, strengthen bilateral relations and expand economic opportunities for businesses and investors in both countries.
Dr Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, mni, DRM, from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of Nigeria, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation with Uganda.
Kana said outstanding memoranda of understanding and other agreements between the two countries would be concluded and signed before the next Joint Permanent Commission (JPC).
“All outstanding MOUs and agreements will be concluded and signed before the next Joint Permanent Commission,” Kana said, adding that the process would be completed within the year.
He thanked the Ugandan Government and people for the reception accorded to the Nigerian delegation, describing it as a reflection of the longstanding ties between the two countries.
Kana also called for increased people-to-people and business exchanges, urging more Ugandans to visit Nigeria and more Nigerians to explore business opportunities in Uganda.
Amb. Philip Odida, Charge d’Affaires at the Uganda High Commission in Abuja, said the forum offered an opportunity to strengthen bilateral relations, promote investment and develop trade value chains.
He urged participants to move beyond dialogue and convert the opportunities and challenges identified during the forum into concrete business partnerships.
Chamber calls for business-friendly environment
Chief Michael Awunor, President of the Nigeria–Uganda Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, said stronger business linkages were necessary to unlock the full potential of bilateral trade and investment.
He said the two countries needed to strengthen trade systems, improve market access and create an enabling environment in which businesses could grow.
Awunor said increased commercial cooperation should not be measured only through trade volumes and investment figures but also by its impact on ordinary households.
He said the ultimate objective should be to ensure that stronger business ties translate into improved livelihoods and wellbeing.
Air connectivity key to trade
Girma Wake, Chief Executive Officer of Uganda Airlines, described air connectivity as a critical component of economic cooperation between Uganda and Nigeria.
Wake said airlines should be viewed not simply as transport providers but as links connecting people, businesses and markets.
“An airline is much more than a means of transportation; it is a bridge that brings people, businesses, markets and opportunities together,” Wake said.
He said improved air connectivity would facilitate the movement of people, goods and services while supporting trade, tourism, investment and cultural exchanges.
For Uganda and Nigeria, he said, stronger air links could bring businesses closer, open new markets and make it easier for investors and entrepreneurs to explore opportunities in both countries.
The Uganda–Nigeria Business Forum and Exhibition brought together government officials, diplomats, business leaders and private-sector representatives to explore opportunities for expanding trade and investment under the AfCFTA framework.
