KAMPALA, Uganda — September 8, 2026: A high-level Nigerian delegation has arrived in Uganda ahead of the Uganda-Nigeria Business Forum, as the two countries move to deepen trade, investment and economic cooperation.
The delegation, led by Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), was received in Kampala by Uganda’s Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Tybisa, on the eve of the two-day business forum.
The senior officials held discussions on final preparations for the Uganda-Nigeria Business Forum and Exhibition 2026, scheduled for September 9–10 at Mestil Hotel & Residences in Kampala.
The forum is expected to bring together Nigerian and Ugandan government officials, investors and business leaders to identify new opportunities for trade, investment, joint ventures and market access.
The visit by the Nigerian delegation marks a significant step in efforts to translate the strong diplomatic relations between Uganda and Nigeria into greater commercial engagement.
More than 20 Nigerian companies are expected to participate in the forum alongside Ugandan businesses, with discussions covering sectors including agriculture and agro-processing, pharmaceuticals, oil and gas, cement, fertiliser, financial services, fintech, ICT, manufacturing, real estate and tourism.
Uganda is particularly seeking to expand access to Nigeria’s large consumer market, with potential opportunities for Ugandan products including coffee, dairy, food products, textiles, apparel and pharmaceuticals.
At the same time, Nigerian companies are expected to explore Uganda as a potential gateway into the wider East African market.
The forum will also examine how the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) can be used to increase trade between the two countries and address practical barriers that have limited commercial exchanges.
These include product registration, standards compliance, market-entry requirements, customs procedures and visa reciprocity.
Ugandan officials have also highlighted the importance of air connectivity in supporting stronger business relations. The direct Uganda Airlines connection between Uganda and Nigeria has provided an important link for investors, traders, tourists and other travellers between the two markets.
The programme will feature business-to-business matchmaking, investment showcases, business pitches, sector discussions, an interactive town hall and a business exhibition.
A Uganda Hub will showcase investment opportunities, while a Fintech Alley will focus on digital payments, financial technology and innovation.
The engagement builds on earlier efforts to strengthen Uganda-Nigeria commercial relations, including the Nigeria-Uganda Trade and Business Forum held in Abuja in September 2024.
Despite the economic size of the two countries, bilateral trade remains below its potential, providing a major incentive for the latest push to establish stronger commercial links.
Uganda has already demonstrated its ability to penetrate the Nigerian market through sectors such as pharmaceuticals, while Nigerian companies have opportunities to invest in Uganda’s agriculture, manufacturing, energy, services and other productive sectors.
Tourism and the creative economy are also expected to feature in the discussions, with both sides seeking to increase visitor flows and partnerships in areas such as fashion, textiles, entertainment and hospitality.
Following the business forum, members of the Nigerian delegation are expected to undertake business and tourism field visits to explore Uganda’s investment opportunities and productive sectors.
The organisers expect the engagement to generate new business partnerships, investment interest, letters of intent and potential strategic agreements.
With Uganda seeking a stronger foothold in West Africa and Nigeria looking to expand its presence in East Africa, the Kampala forum is expected to provide a platform for building a more active East-West Africa trade and investment corridor.
