Uganda and Japan have taken steps to strengthen their trade and investment partnership following a high-level networking event held in Kampala on March 11, 2026.
The event was organized by the Embassy of Japan to Uganda together with the Uganda Free Zones and Export Promotions Authority (UFZEPA). It brought together government representatives and members of the private sector from both countries to discuss opportunities for expanding trade, investment, and industrial development.
David Bahati, Uganda’s Minister of State for Industry, attended as the guest of honour. In his remarks, he emphasized Uganda’s commitment to building stronger commercial links with Japan and encouraged continued collaboration between businesses from the two nations.
The minister also highlighted Uganda’s participation in Expo 2025 Osaka, noting that the international exhibition offered the country an opportunity to showcase its industrial progress and cultural heritage to a global audience.
During the discussions, officials also reaffirmed a memorandum of understanding signed in June 2025 between UFZEPA and the Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The agreement seeks to promote trade, attract investors, and expand market access between the two sides. UFZEPA plans to follow up the partnership with trade missions, investor engagement forums, and information-sharing initiatives.
Yoshida Norimasa, Deputy Head of Mission at the Japanese embassy in Uganda, said the networking session demonstrated the strong ties between the two countries and offered a valuable platform for companies to connect and build partnerships.
Meanwhile, Hez Kimoomi Alinda, Executive Director of UFZEPA, revealed that trade between Uganda and Japan reached about $14 million in 2025. Uganda’s exports to Japan mainly include coffee, flowers, vanilla, fish, and cocoa beans.
He added that collaboration with Japanese partners could open new opportunities for Ugandan exports while supporting the country’s broader industrial development goals.
The event concluded with a networking session that allowed business representatives from both countries to engage directly and explore potential partnerships aimed at increasing trade and long-term investment cooperation.