Uganda Hosts International Buyers’ Week as President Urges Global Deals
Kampala, Uganda
Uganda is hosting this year’s Uganda Connect International Buyers’ Week from November 25 to 28, drawing trade delegations from Nigeria, Ghana, the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Africa, China, the United States and beyond. The event—held at the national exhibition center in Kampala—marks one of the largest trade-matchmaking efforts in recent history, with participants exploring partnerships in agriculture, manufacturing, ICT, and other fast-growing sectors.
At the opening ceremony, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni called on global investors and buyers to turn interest into concrete deals that can spur employment and broaden Uganda’s economic prospects. He described Uganda as a gateway to East and Central African markets and urged participants to tap into the country’s growing potential.
Officials say the week will feature factory tours, sector briefings, export-import matchmaking sessions, and networking forums with government ministries. Local entrepreneurs and small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) are being encouraged to take part, with support from trade-promotion agencies and export-oriented programmes.
Why it matters
With global economic turbulence and shifting trade patterns, Uganda needs to attract foreign investment and expand export markets. This Buyers’ Week could result in new contracts, value-added manufacturing deals, and increased demand for Ugandan products abroad — potentially driving job creation and stimulating growth.
What to watch for
Announcements of new trade or manufacturing deals by end of week.
Follow-through by investors on factory set-ups or supply-chain partnerships.
Uptake by SMEs and export-oriented firms — especially from agriculture, agro-processing, and ICT.
Government commitments on export facilitation, infrastructure support, and trade policy adjustments.
