The Uganda-Tanzania Trade Mission has officially kicked off today, April 8, 2025, at the Four Points by Sheraton in Kampala, marking a new chapter in economic cooperation between the two East African neighbors.
Held under the theme “Building Stronger Trade Partnerships for Long-Term Prosperity,” the event brings together policymakers, industry leaders, and private sector stakeholders from both nations to explore new opportunities in trade, investment, and regional collaboration.
This trade mission highlights the vital role of bilateral alliances in promoting economic stability and growth across East Africa. The gathering aims to harness the unique strengths of Uganda and Tanzania, setting the groundwork for a thriving, interconnected future.
Far from a mere formality, the Uganda-Tanzania Trade Mission is a deliberate effort to bolster trade diplomacy and expand market access for businesses in both countries. It emphasizes the private sector’s pivotal contribution to economic advancement, focusing on deepening commercial links and dismantling obstacles to cross-border commerce.
The Vice Chairperson of the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU) Sarah Kagingo opened the event with a heartfelt welcome, stressing its importance.
She underscored the deep-rooted historical and economic connections between the two nations, saying, “This mission reflects our joint resolve to forge a partnership that uplifts our communities and secures lasting prosperity.”
The initiative unites with regional goals to enhance intra-African trade within the East African Community (EAC), aiming to broaden markets, simplify trade procedures, and elevate the global competitiveness of local products.
Uganda and Tanzania have long shared a cooperative bond. Tanzania’s key ports, like Dar es Salaam, are lifelines for Uganda’s trade, while Uganda’s robust agricultural and industrial outputs hold immense potential for Tanzanian consumers. The mission seeks to overcome longstanding hurdles such as trade barriers, infrastructure deficits, and logistical challenges, fostering smoother exchanges.
The forward-thinking theme inspires action in sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, and energy, with an eye on sustainability and job growth. It also offers a venue for businesses to connect, collaborate, and innovate.
The mission’s agenda includes panel discussions, one-on-one business meetings, and expos to spotlight investment prospects.
Government representatives will unveil supportive policies, such as streamlined customs and investment benefits. Entrepreneurs from both sides voiced excitement, with one Ugandan business owner calling it “a chance to scale up through Tanzanian markets.”
This mission is a stepping stone to a more integrated East African economy, aligning with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). As it unfolds, the event promises to spark tangible outcomes, reinforcing Uganda and Tanzania’s leadership in regional progress at a pivotal time.
