Uganda is gearing up for a landmark opportunity to highlight its vast investment potential at the upcoming Pearl of Africa Business Forum & Expo 2025, scheduled for April 23-24 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
This prestigious event, organised by the Uganda High Commission in Malaysia, forms a crucial part of Uganda’s Economic and Commercial Diplomacy (ECD) agenda, aimed at attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), enhancing bilateral trade, and deepening business partnerships with key Southeast Asian nations, including Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam.
Strengthening Economic Ties with Asia
During a media briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in Kampala, key Ugandan diplomats and business leaders emphasised the significance of leveraging partnerships with Asian economies to drive Uganda’s economic growth.
Ambassador Charles Ssentongo, representing the Permanent Secretary of MOFA, highlighted the strong historical ties between Uganda and Malaysia, underscoring the strategic importance of these partnerships in modernizing Uganda’s economy and expanding market access.
“Our partnerships with countries like Malaysia under frameworks such as the Commonwealth and South-South Cooperation offer immense economic opportunities,” Ambassador Ssentongo stated.
He emphasised that Uganda’s stable business environment and investor-friendly policies make it a prime destination for foreign businesses. He called upon stakeholders to maximize these opportunities to boost trade and investment.
The session was moderated by Margaret Kafeero, Head of Public Diplomacy at MOFA, who urged the media to shift focus from politics to showcasing Uganda’s economic progress.
“While political discourse is important, we must also highlight Uganda’s economic transformation,” she said. Kafeero encouraged journalists to engage more with diplomatic missions abroad to promote Uganda’s investment potential on the global stage.
Economic Growth and Strategic Investments
Adding to the discussion, the Honorary Consul of Malaysia to Uganda, Al Haji Habib Kagimu, underscored the vital role of foreign trade in national economic growth. Drawing comparisons with Singapore ($501 billion GDP) and Malaysia ($400 billion GDP), he noted that Uganda must prioritize industrialization, trade, and investment to reach its ambitious goal of a $500 billion economy by 2040.
“We must focus on wealth creation rather than political debates,” Kagimu emphasised, urging the media to publicize opportunities for Ugandan businesses abroad.
H.E. Ambassador Oyella Betty Bigombe, Uganda’s High Commissioner to Malaysia, described the Pearl of Africa Business Forum & Expo 2025 as more than just an exhibition.
“This forum is a business matchmaking platform where manufacturers, investors, and industrialists can forge meaningful partnerships,” she noted.
Ambassador Bigombe also pointed out that Malaysia’s chairmanship of ASEAN in 2025 presents a unique opportunity for Uganda to expand its presence in the regional market. This aligns with Uganda’s 10-year growth strategy, which focuses on agro-industrialisation, tourism, mineral exploration (including oil and gas), and technology innovation.
Key Sectors for Collaboration
Ambassador Elly Kamahungye, Head of International Economic Cooperation at MOFA, outlined Uganda’s key investment areas, including agriculture, oil and gas, ICT, and tourism.
He stressed the need for sustained engagement with Asian investors to capitalize on Uganda’s vast agricultural potential, particularly in coffee, tea, and palm oil production.
Ms. Barbara Mulwana, Honorary Consul of Thailand to Uganda and a leading private-sector figure, highlighted the expo’s significance as an educational platform for business leaders to understand market dynamics and risks.
“We attend such events not just to showcase products but to learn, strategize, and mitigate risks,” she stated.
Addressing Ugandan Migrant Issues in Southeast Asia
Ambassador Bigombe also addressed concerns about Ugandan migrants facing difficulties in Myanmar and Malaysia. She reassured the public that the Uganda High Commission is actively working to ensure their safe return.
She urged Ugandans seeking employment abroad to use official channels to avoid falling victim to trafficking and exploitation. “We encourage Ugandans to verify job opportunities through diplomatic missions to prevent fraudulent schemes,” she cautioned.
A Landmark Event for Uganda’s Economic Future
As Uganda prepares for the Pearl of Africa Business Forum & Expo 2025, it is positioning itself as a leading investment destination in Africa with a focus on sustainable growth, industrialization, and modernization. The Uganda High Commission in Kuala Lumpur is calling upon government ministries and private sector stakeholders to support the event, which is expected to attract high-profile investors, policymakers, and business leaders from across Asia.
With Malaysia set to assume the ASEAN chairmanship in 2025, Uganda is determined to leverage this opportunity to strengthen its economic ties with the region. The Pearl of Africa Business Forum & Expo 2025 stands as a pivotal moment for Uganda to showcase its investment potential and attract strategic partnerships that will drive long-term economic prosperity.
