The Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU), together with the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, has officially launched the 3rd Annual Regional Industrialisation Conference (RIC 2026), a flagship platform aimed at advancing industrial transformation, regional trade, and investment across East Africa.

Scheduled for 18–19 August 2026, the conference is expected to attract more than 800 delegates from over 10 countries, including Heads of State, ministers, investors, manufacturers, development partners, and private sector leaders.

Held under the theme “Unlocking Industrial Competitiveness through Innovation and Regional Value Chain Integration,” RIC 2026 will focus on driving practical outcomes through investment mobilisation, policy alignment, and strengthened regional production systems.

The conference programme will feature a Presidential Roundtable for East African leaders, a Regional Industrial Investment Forum targeting over USD 500 million in investment opportunities, technical sessions on strategic value chains, and an industrial exhibition showcasing innovation and manufacturing potential across the region.

Speaking during the launch, AGRA Uganda Country Director David Wozemba highlighted the need to connect agriculture to industrialisation efforts.

“We will continue to partner across the region to raise productivity, de-risk agro-processing through structured markets and finance, and align policy to support regional trade under AfCFTA. Industrialisation without food security is incomplete, and agriculture without value addition is unfinished.”

PSFU Chief Executive Officer Stephen Asiimwe called on the private sector to actively shape the region’s industrial future.

“This is a platform for businesses to invest in bankable projects, form strategic partnerships, scale innovation, and drive technology transfer across the region.”

The conference also seeks to strengthen regional self-reliance by promoting intra-African trade and reducing dependence on external markets.

Government reaffirmed its commitment to translating conference outcomes into policy action, with the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development pledging support toward implementation of practical industrial reforms.

With East Africa positioned to benefit from both the East African Community market and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), RIC 2026 aims to unlock opportunities in manufacturing, agro-processing, and regional value chain development.

The conference is supported by a coalition of regional institutions, including the East African Business Council, TradeMark Africa, the East African Development Bank, and the Government of Uganda.