Uganda and Nigeria have stepped up efforts to deepen trade, investment and business relations, with the two countries pushing for stronger private-sector partnerships, increased air connectivity and pharmaceutical cooperation.
The commitment was made yesterday at the opening of the first Uganda-Nigeria Business Forum and Exhibition in Kampala, which ends today under the theme “Building Partnerships, Expanding Markets, and Unlocking Opportunities.”
Dr Ibrahim Abubaker Kana, Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation of Nigeria and leader of the Nigerian delegation, said Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu directed his government to ensure that the growing relations between Uganda and Nigeria translate into concrete economic opportunities.
Kana said Nigeria is ready to invest in Uganda while encouraging Ugandan businesses to explore the Nigerian market.
He also announced that the long-awaited Joint Binational Commission agreement between Uganda and Nigeria is expected to be signed before the end of 2026.
According to Kana, Nigeria has already directed its ministries and agencies to review existing Memoranda of Understanding and submit them for processing, adding that the delay in concluding the agreement had been on the Nigerian side.
“The responsibility is ours to ensure that we conclude this and sign the binational commission agreement as quickly as possible,” Kana said.
He described the business forum as an important people-to-people connection that would complement existing government-to-government and business-to-business relations.
Kana also challenged Uganda to join the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), arguing that membership would enable Uganda Airlines to expand its operations across the continent and tap into a wider African passenger market.
He said Uganda Airlines could benefit from greater freedom to operate beyond direct routes between Uganda and individual countries, which he said would strengthen the airline’s competitiveness and contribute to increased trade between Uganda and Nigeria.
“Uganda, you are missing in action. You have to sign SAATM,” Kana said, urging the Ugandan government to complete the process.
He said improved air connectivity would also make it easier for Nigerians to travel to Uganda for business and investment instead of concentrating on other African and international destinations.
The Nigerian official further identified pharmaceuticals as another major area for cooperation, particularly in the production and distribution of antiretroviral, antimalarial and anti-tuberculosis medicines.
He said Ugandan pharmaceutical companies with World Health Organization certification could use their credentials to access the large Nigerian market and international procurement opportunities.
Kana said Nigeria, which has a large population and significant demand for medicines, could partner with Ugandan pharmaceutical companies to expand production and distribution.
He singled out medicines for sickle cell disease as a major opportunity, noting that Nigeria carries one of the world’s highest burdens of sickle cell disease.
He pledged to use his office to facilitate cooperation between pharmaceutical companies and research institutions in the two countries.
Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Head of Economic and Commercial Diplomacy Hub, Ambassador Richard Kabonero, said the forum is part of Uganda’s economic and commercial diplomacy strategy and aimed at supporting the country’s tenfold growth agenda.
Kabonero said the two countries have complementary strengths that could be harnessed to increase trade and investment.
He cited Uganda’s pharmaceutical and research sector as an area where Nigerian investors could find opportunities, while Nigeria’s creative industries, including music and film, could offer opportunities for collaboration with Uganda.
He said the engagements should result in actual business deals, partnerships and investments rather than remain at the level of discussions.
Uganda’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ambassador Philip Odida, said the two countries have enjoyed strong political and diplomatic relations but now need to translate that goodwill into stronger economic ties.
Odida said Nigeria offers Uganda a large and dynamic market, industrial and financial expertise, technology and innovation, while Uganda has opportunities in agriculture, agro-processing, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, minerals and mineral value addition, ICT, energy and tourism.
He urged businesses from both countries to take advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to expand intra-African trade and develop regional value chains.
The forum has brought together government officials, investors, captains of industry, business leaders and exhibitors from Uganda and Nigeria to explore investment opportunities, conduct business matching and showcase products and services.
The CEO of Uganda Airlines, Girma Wake, welcomed the initiative, saying stronger economic integration among African countries would create greater opportunities for airlines and businesses.
Wake said African countries needed to reduce barriers to trade and movement if the continent was to achieve meaningful economic integration.
The two-day forum and exhibition is expected to conclude today after business-to-business engagements, investment showcases and exhibitions aimed at establishing partnerships between Ugandan and Nigerian companies.
