Author: Helmi Aziz

The Uganda Pearl of Africa Business Forum and Expo 2025, held at the Renaissance Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, wrapped up successfully, underscoring Uganda’s steady yet cautious economic growth across key sectors. As one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies, Uganda used this platform to present itself as an attractive destination for investment and collaboration, beginning with Malaysia.

The inaugural two-day event attracted participation from government officials, industry leaders, business chambers, and investors from both countries, culminating in a firm commitment to enhance bilateral trade ties and sustainable economic partnerships between Malaysia and Uganda.

A high-profile ministerial delegation from Uganda, led by Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Hon. Matia Kasaija, was present, accompanied by Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu, Minister of Energy and Mineral Development; Hon. Frank Tumwebaze, Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries; and Hon. Henry Oryem Okello, State Minister for Foreign Affairs (International Affairs).

The gala dinner, officiated by Malaysia’s Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, celebrated the growing friendship and trade relationship between the two nations. In his speech, Mohamad remarked: “We are honored to host this important event, which lays the groundwork for deeper economic engagement, stronger people-to-people connections, and continued collaboration.” “Let us go beyond the USD358.13 million in trade recorded last year and build on our shared strengths.”

Minister Kasaija reinforced the forum’s message with a powerful call to action, urging businesses to take a firsthand look at Uganda’s potential: “Come and see Uganda for yourself. Seeing is believing. Africa is often misunderstood, but Uganda is peaceful, vibrant, and rapidly growing. We are here to show the truth,” Kasaija stated.

At the opening ceremony, Malaysia was represented by Datuk Muhtar Hashim, Executive Director of the Chemical Industries Council of Malaysia, who highlighted Uganda’s parallels with Malaysia’s early industrial journey. “Uganda reminds us of Malaysia’s own path from raw resources to value-added industries. There are vast opportunities, especially in renewable and sustainable sectors,” he said.

Uganda’s High Commissioner to Malaysia, Her Excellency Dr. Betty Oyella Bigombe, a key advocate of the forum, stressed that with the right framework and collaboration, the two countries could achieve great things in shared industries.

The forum showcased Uganda’s rapidly developing sectors, such as agriculture, agro-processing, mining, manufacturing, and energy. A key focus was the country’s commitment to sustainability and regulatory reform. Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa shared updates on Uganda’s oil industry, including the start of oil drilling, refinery development plans, and new exploration blocks expected to be announced soon. Additionally, Uganda is opening its energy sector to private sector participation, especially in solar, geothermal, and nuclear energy. “We are moving forward with one of the best regulatory frameworks in Africa,” Nankabirwa remarked.

In agriculture, Uganda highlighted its potential in high-demand commodities like vanilla, coffee, cocoa, bananas, and palm oil, positioning itself as an ideal trade partner for Malaysia’s agribusiness sector.

Datuk Irwin Cheong, Co-founder of the World-One Business Federation and key organizer of the forum, closed the gala dinner with a note of appreciation: “This forum and expo are a celebration of not just shared opportunities, but shared purpose. We hope the conversations started here will lead to lasting collaborations that bear fruit.”

The event featured Government-to-Government (G2G) and Business-to-Business (B2B) sessions, with significant meetings held with Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) Liew Chin Tong and the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), as well as key industry players from both countries.

Additionally, discussions on logistics and connectivity enhancements took center stage, including plans for direct flight routes and improved regional access.

With strong political will, active business engagement, and a spirit of mutual respect, the Uganda Pearl of Africa Business Forum and Expo 2025 has solidified its role as a catalyst for deeper bilateral collaboration and a renewed focus on East Africa’s emerging economic potential.