A high-level delegation of 17 French business leaders, led by Ms. Celine Gouveia, President of the France–East Africa Business Council at MEDEF International, arrived in Uganda this week to explore investment prospects and foster economic partnerships between France and Uganda.
Today, the delegation attended an Economic Forum with key government officials at the Sheraton Kampala Hotel.
During the forum, Uganda’s Minister of Finance, Hon. Matia Kasaija, extended an open invitation to the French business community to partner with Uganda in advancing its economic goals. “I invite MEDEF and the French business community to invest in Uganda. Together, we can drive sustainable growth and build a future where French investments support Uganda’s path to an upper-middle-income economy,” he said.
Minister Kasaija highlighted several sectors ripe for investment, including energy, infrastructure, agriculture, and technology.
French Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Xavier Sticker, expressed enthusiasm for the delegation’s visit, emphasizing the vital role of business communities in strengthening bilateral economic ties. “I am pleased to welcome to Kampala a delegation of 17 French companies led by MEDEF. They have come to explore opportunities to offer their services, invest, and create value locally,” said Ambassador Sticker. “The Uganda-France economic partnership continues to strengthen, with the business community playing a key role.”
MEDEF International, which represents French enterprises globally, focuses on promoting French businesses in emerging markets and fostering sustainable partnerships. Ms. Gouveia, head of the delegation, conveyed optimism about Uganda’s business environment and expressed commitment to building mutually beneficial relationships with Ugandan enterprises. “Our members are keen to understand Uganda’s market dynamics and explore areas where we can bring expertise, investment, and long-term partnerships,” she noted.
The presence of French businesses in Uganda is seen as a valuable boost to Uganda’s economic landscape, with the potential to create jobs, transfer skills, and enhance Uganda’s technological and industrial capacity.