Guangzhou, China – Uganda has strengthened its trade, investment, and diplomatic ties with Asia following a successful participation at the 139th China Import and Export Fair, widely known as the Canton Fair.
Held in Guangzhou from May 1 to 5, 2026, the global exhibition brought together thousands of buyers, investors, and manufacturers, offering Uganda a strategic platform to expand exports and attract foreign direct investment.
Ugandan exhibitors drawn from sectors such as coffee, shea butter, and artisanal crafts—including Seedstar Speciality Coffee, Elyon Organics, Senela Organics, RhinoSeeds Africa, and Megkari Coffee—showcased locally made products to a global audience.
The response from international visitors was notably strong, with exhibitors reporting high levels of interest and engagement.
Kawuki Annet, a representative of Seedstar Speciality Coffee, described the experience as transformative: “The world now knows Uganda coffee. There were visitors from all over the world, and they were so excited about it. This has been an eye-opener and has put Uganda on another level. Visitors from across the globe were smelling the coffee, tasting it, and wanting to learn more. It has truly opened the door to the global market. I will definitely come back.”
Nanyombi Christian of Elyon Organics also welcomed the opportunity to participate: “We thank the Consulate General for giving us this opportunity. It has been an incredible experience, and we will certainly be back.”
The Ugandan delegation was led by Juju Nsababera, Consul General of Uganda in Guangzhou, alongside senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Uganda Embassy in Beijing.
Speaking on the sidelines of the exhibition, Ambassador Nsababera emphasised the importance of quality and market readiness in global trade. “Participation in platforms like the Canton Fair demonstrates Uganda’s readiness to engage the world not merely as a source of raw materials, but as a supplier of value-added, high-quality products. Branding, consistency, and compliance with international standards are essential to succeeding in today’s global marketplace.”
She also highlighted the vast opportunities within China’s consumer market: “Uganda’s presence at the Canton Fair sends a clear message: we are open for business, ready to partner, and committed to deeper integration into global value chains.”
Uganda’s pavilion, strategically located near a main entrance, attracted significant foot traffic, translating into immediate business opportunities. Within the first days of the fair, several Ugandan products—including coffee, tea, artisanal crafts, and shea butter-based body care products—secured confirmed orders and direct sales.
“This reflects the growing global demand for Ugandan products, particularly those rooted in quality, sustainability, and cultural authenticity.”
Beyond trade, the exhibition also boosted Uganda’s visibility as a tourism destination, with visitors expressing interest in leisure travel, eco-tourism, and cultural experiences.
Uganda’s participation comes at a time when trade relations with China continue to expand. Bilateral trade currently stands at approximately US$1.46 billion annually, with Uganda exporting coffee, timber, oil seeds, and minerals, while importing machinery, electronics, and industrial goods.
Officials say such global platforms are key to promoting value addition, boosting exports, and attracting investment into sectors such as energy, agro-processing, mineral development, and manufacturing.
Several exploratory meetings and early-stage partnership discussions have already been initiated between Ugandan businesses and potential investors from Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
Since its inception, the Canton Fair has connected participants from over 229 countries, facilitating cumulative export transactions exceeding US$1.5 trillion, and it remains a critical gateway to global markets.
Ugandan officials say participation aligns with the country’s economic diplomacy agenda, which prioritises export promotion, industrialisation, and increased foreign direct investment.
With growing global interest and early commercial gains already recorded, the government has encouraged more Ugandan entrepreneurs and cooperatives to leverage international exhibitions to position their products competitively and unlock new markets.