Algiers, Algeria – May 10–11, 2025 By TheNewzZone Business Reporter
Uganda has once again made a strong statement on the continental trade stage, following a successful showcase at the 11th Africa Investment and Trade Forum (AFIC11) held in Algiers, Algeria, under the theme “Integration for African Prosperity.” The high-level forum, known for attracting key players across Africa’s economic and policy landscape, marked a major milestone with the launch of the African Prosperity Forum, aimed at accelerating regional economic integration and trade development.
The Ugandan delegation, coordinated by the Ugandan Embassy in Algeria, was spearheaded by the Uganda National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (UNCCI) and included representation from vital institutions such as:
Wendi Farms Uganda
Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB)
Uganda Revenue Authority (URA)
Uganda Investment Authority (UIA)
Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU)
Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA)
The Ugandan pavilion stood out as one of the most vibrant exhibits at the forum. It showcased a rich selection of high-demand Ugandan products such as coffee, tea, vanilla, honey, and handcrafted items — goods that are already gaining significant traction in the Algerian market.
“Our participation in AFIC11 is a testament to Uganda’s growing role in intra-African trade. The interest shown by Algerian investors and consumers reaffirms the quality and competitiveness of Ugandan products,” said Ms. Brenda Nabushawo, representing UNCCI.
A Journey Rooted in Strategic Diplomacy
This recent engagement is part of a broader diplomatic and trade outreach that began in March 2023, when President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni paid a state visit to Algeria. During that visit, both President Museveni and Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune emphasized the need for deeper economic collaboration. That vision materialized with the Uganda-Algeria Trade and Investment Forum and Exhibition held later in Kampala, which saw over 150 Algerian business leaders visit Uganda in a landmark mission.
One of the major outcomes of that forum was the establishment of the Uganda-Algeria Joint Business Council, a platform now being operationalized to tackle trade barriers, align standards, and facilitate investment between the two nations.
Key Outcomes and Strategic Collaborations
At AFIC11, Uganda capitalized on momentum gained from the previous engagements. Several B2B sessions paved the way for joint ventures and export agreements. Algerian partners expressed interest in setting up poultry facilities, cosmetics production, water reservoir infrastructure, and shea butter processing in Uganda. Discussions also included proposals for mutual recognition of standards and direct air links between the two countries.
Among the highlights was Uganda’s appeal for duty-free access to the Algerian market for key exports such as milk powder, beef, fruits, tea, and coffee, worth over USD 700 million.
AFIC11 also saw calls for finalizing a Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) to ease cargo and business travel, with Ethiopian Airlines proposed as a temporary link between the two countries via Addis Ababa.
Looking Ahead: Building the Future of Pan-African Trade
Uganda’s increasing visibility at continental trade forums such as AFIC11 is reflective of a proactive strategy underlined by strong public-private partnerships. With support from stakeholders like PACEID, Pearl Dairy, Housing Finance Bank, and Uganda Coffee Development Authority, the country is positioning itself as a competitive trade and investment destination within Africa.
“The participation of Uganda in such high-level trade forums not only increases visibility but also opens up real commercial opportunities for our exporters, manufacturers, and service providers,” noted Ms. Olive Kigongo, President of UNCCI.
As Africa pushes forward with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Uganda’s active role in shaping and benefiting from regional markets becomes increasingly significant.
AFIC11 provided not just a platform for economic diplomacy, but a launchpad for tangible partnerships that will drive trade, job creation, and industrial growth in both Uganda and Algeria in the years to come.
