In partnership with key South African businesses in Uganda and key local institutions, we held a Uganda-South Africa Trade and Investment Summit to support the Uganda government in attracting foreign direct investment.  

The Trade Summit marked a significant milestone in promoting trade and investment opportunities between Uganda and South Africa and provided a platform for discussions, partnerships, and a shared vision for the future of trade and investment between Uganda and South Africa. The two-day summit themed “Accelerating Uganda-South Africa Trade & Investment,” focused on agriculture, energy, and tourism sectors.  

Speaking at the summit, Nile Breweries Managing Director, Adu Rando, highlighted some of the impacts that have been realized through Nile Breweries’ collaboration with South Africa. “We have been working with our South African experts to develop the capability to grow quality barley. Over the last 5 years, we have directly trained, financially empowered, and digitally included over 20,000 farmers. In 2022 alone we trained 10,000 farmers,” he said. 

The President of the Republic of Uganda, H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni graced the ceremony as the guest of honour. He encouraged investors to come to Uganda and tap into the various opportunities availed by the government. “We link up as Africa and work together,” he said. He appreciated the role of the private sector, urging players to continue to invest in the economy. “You can’t have underdeveloped services in an underdeveloped economy. You’re cheating yourselves, because you’d earn more if the economy were developed,” he remarked. 

We have collaborated with South African experts to boost barley farming. Over the last five years, we have trained and empowered 20,000 farmers. In 2022, we tripled barley yield per farmer. 

According to the statistics from the Bank of Uganda, the value of Uganda’s exports to South Africa continues to grow albeit at a slow pace doubling to US$ 21.24 million in the past 10 years up to 2022. However, the value of South Africa’s exports to Uganda decreased from US$ 251.6 million to US$ 127.6 million during the same period. 

According to Uganda Investment Authority, Uganda’s exports to South Africa include cotton, gold, fish fillets, tobacco, coffee, and fresh flowers. On the other hand, South Africa’s exports to Uganda include machinery, vehicles, plastics, chemicals, electronics, parts and accessories, petroleum, live animals, books and newsprint, textiles, footwear, aircraft, and household goods. 

We were honored to be a part of this platform dedicated to fostering more robust trade and investment bonds between Uganda and South Africa. We showcased our commitment to Uganda’s growth and international partnerships.  

Here’s to a future of thriving trade relations and investment opportunities.