Uganda has stepped up its global trade and investment drive with a strong showing at the China Import and Export Fair, signaling its ambition to expand exports and attract foreign capital from Asia and beyond.
The 139th edition of the fair, held from May 1–5, 2026 in Guangzhou, brought together thousands of international buyers, manufacturers, and investors. Uganda’s participation, led by its Consulate General in Guangzhou, focused on promoting value-added exports while positioning the country as a competitive investment destination.
A delegation of Ugandan entrepreneurs showcased products spanning coffee, shea butter, and artisanal crafts. Companies including Seedstar Specialty Coffee, Elyon Organics, Senela Organics, RhinoSeeds Africa, and Megkari Coffee reported strong interest from global buyers, with some securing immediate orders and direct sales during the exhibition.
“The world now knows Uganda’s coffee,” said Kawuki Annet of Seedstar Specialty Coffee, noting heightened international demand and increased visibility for Ugandan products. Exhibitors described the fair as a breakthrough platform for accessing global markets and building long-term trade relationships.
The delegation was led by Juju Nsababera and included senior officials from Uganda’s foreign service and diplomatic missions in China. Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Nsababera emphasized the importance of branding, packaging, and compliance with international standards to compete globally.
“Uganda is not just a source of raw materials—we are ready to supply high-quality, value-added products,” she said, pointing to China’s vast consumer base of over 1.4 billion people as a key opportunity for Ugandan exporters.
Uganda’s pavilion, strategically located near a main entrance, attracted heavy foot traffic and generated commercial interest across multiple sectors. In addition to trade, the country also drew attention as an emerging tourism destination, with visitors expressing interest in eco-tourism and cultural experiences.
The showcase comes as Uganda seeks to rebalance its trade relationship with China, one of its largest trading partners. Bilateral trade currently stands at approximately $1.46 billion annually, though Uganda’s exports—valued at around $90 million—remain significantly lower than imports from China.
Officials say participation in global trade fairs is central to the government’s economic diplomacy agenda, aimed at boosting exports, encouraging industrialization, and attracting foreign direct investment. Beyond product sales, Uganda’s presence in Guangzhou also opened new investment discussions in sectors such as energy, agro-processing, mineral development, and manufacturing.
Several preliminary partnership engagements have already been initiated with potential investors from Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, raising expectations for longer-term deals.
With the Canton Fair historically linking businesses from over 200 countries and generating more than $1.5 trillion in cumulative export transactions, Ugandan officials view the platform as a critical gateway to global markets.
“Uganda’s message is clear,” Nsababera said. “We are open for business, ready to partner, and committed to deeper integration into global value chains.”