KUALA LUMPUR, April 23 -- In a bid to position itself as a strategic investment destination in East Africa, Uganda has rolled out the red carpet for Malaysian investors at the Pearl of Africa Business Forum and Expo 2025.
Uganda's Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu, said the nation is keen to leverage Malaysia's renowned expertise in mineral extraction, oil and gas development, and palm oil production.
“We are here with a delegation to secure opportunities to work together with the people of Malaysia.
“We want to share what Uganda can offer in terms of natural resources, and we hope to build lasting partnerships in the energy and mineral sectors,” she said during a press conference on Wednesday.
The two-day forum, which began on Wednesday, was officiated by Uganda’s Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Matia Kasaija. Also present were Nankabirwa and the Minister of State for Animal Industry, Lt. Col (Rtd) Bright Rwamirama.
The ministers are also scheduled to hold bilateral discussions and meetings with local technocrats during the business forum.
On tourism, Nankabirwa emphasised the importance of strengthening the sector and fostering people-to-people relations between Uganda and Malaysia.
She encouraged Malaysians to discover Uganda as a vibrant and diverse travel destination, highlighting the country's rich cultural heritage, natural landscapes, and wildlife.
Uganda’s High Commissioner to Malaysia, Dr Betty Oyella Bigombe, highlighted that the forum is the first of its kind to be hosted in Malaysia by an East African country, reflecting Uganda’s commitment to deepening economic partnerships across Asia.
“This is a unique opportunity for Malaysian and regional investors to speak directly with the people shaping Uganda’s economic future. We are not just showcasing Uganda; we’re inviting active, two-way dialogue,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Executive Director of the Chemical Industries Council of Malaysia, Datuk Muhtar Hashim, expressed optimism about the opportunities for collaboration, especially in strategic industries and renewable energy.
“In the days to come, many Malaysians will come to understand the vast potential Uganda holds. There are immense opportunities for our industries to connect and collaborate,” he told members of the media.
The Pearl of Africa Business Forum and Expo 2025 is organised by the High Commission of Uganda to Malaysia in collaboration with the World-One Business Federation.
The event marks a significant milestone in Uganda–Malaysia economic ties, offering an exclusive opportunity for direct engagement between Malaysian stakeholders and Uganda’s top policymakers.
The event is expected to lead to new business ventures, technology transfer, and stronger diplomatic and trade relations between both countries.
With Uganda’s annual exports to Malaysia valued at approximately US$250 million, the expo seeks to expand collaborations in key sectors such as agriculture, tourism, energy, and mineral resources, positioning Uganda as a gateway for investment in the East African region.
Uganda’s economy remains predominantly anchored by agriculture, which contributes 53 per cent of its export earnings and employs 73 per cent of the population. However, the country is rapidly diversifying, with notable growth in agro-processing, organic fertiliser production, and mineral exploration, including gold, copper, and lithium.
-- BERNAMA
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