Big Story! EABC Board Director Oscar Kamukama Calls for Business-Driven Regional Integration

The Uganda–Tanzania Trade Mission 2025 officially commenced on April 8, 2025, at the Four Points Hotel in Kampala, Uganda, bringing together senior government officials, private sector leaders, and development partners for a week-long engagement aimed at enhancing bilateral trade, eliminating trade barriers, and unlocking regional economic opportunities.

Launched under the theme “Building Stronger Trade Partnerships for Long-Term Prosperity,” the high-level trade mission was spearheaded by the Uganda High Commission in Dar es Salaam, with a focus on advancing economic and commercial diplomacy.

Delegates from both the Republic of Uganda and the United Republic of Tanzania participated in the mission, offering valuable insights into fostering sustainable trade and deepening economic cooperation between the two neighbouring countries.

Delivering the official opening remarks on behalf of the East African Business Council (EABC), Mr. Oscar Kamukama, a member of the Council’s Board of Directors, welcomed the delegates and expressed appreciation to the Uganda High Commission in Dar es Salaam, the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU), and the EABC Secretariat for their exemplary coordination in organising the trade mission.

He noted that the engagement was not merely symbolic but a deliberate intervention aimed at strengthening commercial ties, forging partnerships, and unlocking the economic potential between two of East Africa’s most dynamic economies.

“Uganda and Tanzania have a combined population of over 130 million people—a huge and growing consumer market projected to surpass 150 million by 2030,” Mr. Kamukama said. “Tanzania’s GDP currently stands at approximately USD 85 billion, while Uganda’s is estimated at USD 50 billion. These figures speak to the potential we must tap into.”

Mr. Kamukama cited 2022 trade statistics showing that Tanzania was Uganda’s fifth-largest source of imports, with trade volumes exceeding USD 300 million, while Uganda’s exports to Tanzania stood at approximately USD 170 million.

Uganda’s key exports include sugar, cement, paper products, and animal feeds, while Tanzania exports petroleum products, cereals, salt, and manufactured goods to Uganda.

“These numbers reveal two things,” he explained. “One, that our trade relationship is strong, and two, that the opportunity to deepen and diversify it is even greater.”

“Our goal is to unlock new value chains in manufacturing, agribusiness, and services; address persistent non-tariff barriers; and promote sustainable trade partnerships that enhance the competitiveness of East African businesses,” he said.

Mr. Kamukama also highlighted the role of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which is now operational, creating a unified market of over 1.4 billion people.

He urged East African businesses to strategically position themselves within this broader continental framework.

“Our vision at the East African Business Council is a borderless East Africa for business prosperity,” he said. “This mission is a testament to that vision. It reinforces the fact that regional integration must be led by the private sector, supported by enabling policies and strong institutions.”

He concluded by calling on all stakeholders—government, private sector, and development partners—to ensure that the mission yields tangible outcomes.

“Let this week be more than meetings. Let it be about results—trade deals, partnerships, and forward-thinking policy proposals. To our business delegates: this is your moment. Seize it. Engage. Partner. Expand.”

On the other hand, Uganda’s High Commissioner to Tanzania, H.E. Col. (Rtd.) Fred Mwesigye, described the trade mission as a milestone in the deepening bilateral relationship between Kampala and Dodoma.

He revealed that trade between the two countries had surged from USD 1.36 billion in 2023 to USD 2.23 billion in 2024—driven by robust exports including cement, sugar, dairy, and pharmaceuticals, alongside key imports such as petroleum and machinery from Tanzania.

He hailed the East African Business Council (EABC), the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU), and the Tanzanian business delegation for their collaborative role in organising the initiative.

“This mission is not just about economic figures—it’s about transforming our potential into action,” he said while commending the efforts of PSFU, the East African Business Council, and the Tanzanian delegation for their collaborative spirit.