By Joseph Kiggundu
Kampala, Uganda
In a major step toward deepening economic ties between Uganda and Nigeria, the Nigeria Head of Commission to Uganda, Ambassador John Shama Shaga, hosted a high-level meeting with Ms. Olive Kigongo, President of the Uganda National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (UNCCI), at the Nigeria High Commission in Kampala.
The meeting focused on unlocking new trade and investment opportunities between the two African nations, with both parties expressing a strong commitment to harnessing the potential of their respective private sectors for mutual growth.
Speaking during the meeting, Ambassador Shaga emphasized the critical role of private sector collaboration in driving Africa’s economic transformation. “The private sector must lead the way in regional integration and sustainable development,” he said, pledging the Embassy’s full support in fostering partnerships that empower local businesses and promote intra-African trade.
A key highlight of the discussion was Nigeria’s growing demand for dairy products, with Ambassador Shaga revealing an estimated consumption potential of over one million tonnes of milk per day. He identified this as a significant opportunity for Uganda’s dairy sector, specifically naming Latto Milk Uganda as a potential partner in future trade collaborations.
The Ambassador also announced plans to introduce UNCCI leadership to Ambassador Ayo Olukanni, Chairperson of the Trade Mission under the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA). This move aims to lay the groundwork for joint trade missions, business exchanges, and investment forums between Ugandan and Nigerian enterprises.
Ms. Kigongo welcomed the initiative, praising Ambassador Shaga’s proactive approach to economic diplomacy. “We deeply appreciate your commitment to advancing bilateral trade. Uganda is ready and open for investment, and we look forward to greater engagement with Nigerian investors,” she said. She assured the Nigerian envoy of UNCCI’s full support in executing joint initiatives that strengthen private sector ties.
The two sides also reviewed the Memoranda of Understanding previously signed between the Nigeria High Commission and UNCCI, agreeing to reactivate and expand them as part of a strategic roadmap for future collaboration. High-demand Ugandan exports to Nigeria—including milk, fish, coffee, and agro-processed goods—were identified as priority sectors for enhanced market access and business development.
To further this agenda, both parties committed to organizing joint trade missions, exhibitions, and B2B networking events aimed at facilitating direct engagement between businesses from both countries.
The meeting concluded on an optimistic note, with a shared vision of economic cooperation and a renewed commitment to building robust commercial linkages. As both Uganda and Nigeria look toward deeper integration within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the outcomes of this meeting mark a significant step in transforming policy dialogue into practical business action.