Uganda–Japan Trade Relations Get Boost at High-Level Kampala Networking Event

Kampala, Uganda — 11 March 2026: The Embassy of Japan to Uganda, in collaboration with the Uganda Free Zones and Export Promotions Authority (UFZEPA), hosted a high-level networking event aimed at strengthening bilateral trade relations and showcasing Uganda’s investment potential.

The event, which featured David Bahati, Uganda’s Minister of State for Industry, as the Guest of Honour, brought together government officials alongside representatives from the Japanese and Ugandan private sectors to explore opportunities in trade, investment, and industrial development. Discussions centered on increasing export volumes, promoting industrial growth, and building sustainable business partnerships.

In his remarks, Minister Bahati reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to expanding trade relations with Japan and emphasized the importance of continuous engagement between businesses from both countries. He also highlighted Uganda’s participation in Expo 2025 Osaka, which offered the country a global platform to showcase its industrial capacity and rich cultural heritage.

A key highlight of the event was the reaffirmation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in June 2025 during Expo 2025 between UFZEPA and the Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The agreement is designed to facilitate trade, attract investment, and improve market access for businesses in both countries. UFZEPA announced plans to follow up on the partnership through targeted trade missions, investor forums, and distribution of information packages to stakeholders.

Speaking at the event, Yoshida Norimasa, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Japan to Uganda, noted that the networking platform underscores the strong relationship between the two countries.

“This networking platform highlights the strong relationship between Uganda and Japan and provides an important opportunity for our private sectors to connect, collaborate, and grow together,” he said.

The Executive Director of UFZEPA, Hez Kimoomi Alinda, revealed that bilateral trade between Uganda and Japan reached USD 14 million in 2025, driven largely by Ugandan exports such as coffee, vanilla, cocoa beans, flowers, and fish.

“Our partnership with Japanese stakeholders opens new avenues for Ugandan exports and strengthens our industrial growth trajectory. We are committed to creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive,” Alinda said.

The event concluded with networking sessions that allowed Ugandan and Japanese companies to engage directly, laying the foundation for long-term collaborations and increased trade flows between the two countries.