Uganda, Nigeria Move to Turn Diplomatic Ties Into Bigger Trade and Investment Deals

ABUJA, Nigeria — Uganda and Nigeria are seeking to translate their longstanding diplomatic relations into stronger commercial partnerships, as government officials and business leaders from the two countries called for increased trade, investment and private-sector cooperation at the Uganda–Nigeria Business Forum & Exhibition.

The forum brought together government representatives, diplomats and business leaders to explore opportunities for expanding economic cooperation and strengthening trade value chains between the two countries.

Ambassador Richard Kabonero, Head of Regional Economic Cooperation and Economic and Commercial Diplomacy at Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the forum supports Uganda’s Tenfold Growth Strategy and provides an opportunity to build mutually beneficial partnerships with Nigeria.

Kabonero highlighted Uganda’s growing capabilities in research, pharmaceuticals and manufacturing, including the development of sickle cell medicines, as areas where the country can offer opportunities for collaboration.

He also pointed to Nigeria’s globally recognised creative industry as an area with significant potential for joint ventures and knowledge exchange.

Ambassador Philip Odida

He expressed appreciation to the delegates, business leaders and the team at the Uganda High Commission in Abuja for convening the forum, saying the participation demonstrated the potential for deeper Uganda-Nigeria economic engagement.

Ambassador Philip Odida, Charge d’Affaires at the Uganda High Commission in Abuja, said the forum reflects the two countries’ shared commitment to strengthening their cordial relations through increased investment and trade.

He urged participants to use the platform to move beyond diplomatic dialogue and identify practical opportunities that can result in tangible business partnerships.

“The forum presents a valuable opportunity to move beyond dialogue and turn shared challenges and opportunities into tangible business partnerships,” Odida said.

The Nigerian side also stressed the importance of using the forum to identify new areas of economic cooperation.

Ambassador Misitura Abdulraheem, Charge d’Affaires at the Nigerian High Commission in Kampala, said the gathering was not merely an avenue for exchanging ideas, but an opportunity to identify concrete areas for deeper cooperation between Uganda and Nigeria.

Ambassador Misitura Abdulraheem

She said stronger economic cooperation could help expand opportunities for businesses and investors while further strengthening bilateral relations.

For the private sector, Chief Michael Awunor, President of the Nigeria–Uganda Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, said stronger business-to-business connections would be critical to unlocking the full potential of trade and investment between the two countries.

Awunor said opportunities identified at forums such as the exhibition would only translate into meaningful economic outcomes if both countries strengthen the fundamentals required for businesses to operate and expand.

Chief Michael Awunor, President of the Nigeria–Uganda Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture

He highlighted the need for an enabling business environment, stronger trade systems, improved market access and partnerships that allow entrepreneurs to grow.

He further argued that the success of increased Uganda-Nigeria commercial cooperation should not be measured solely by trade volumes or investment figures.

Instead, he said, stronger economic ties should ultimately translate into better livelihoods and improved wellbeing for ordinary households in both countries.

The forum comes as Uganda and Nigeria seek to broaden their economic relationship beyond traditional diplomatic engagement, with business-to-business partnerships, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, research, creative industries and investment emerging as potential areas for expanded cooperation.

The exhibition component of the forum also provided businesses with an opportunity to showcase products, services and investment opportunities, creating a platform for direct interaction between Ugandan and Nigerian enterprises.

With both governments emphasising private-sector participation, the forum is expected to contribute to efforts to turn bilateral relations into commercially viable partnerships capable of creating jobs, expanding markets and increasing trade between Uganda and Nigeria.