The UgandaโTanzania Trade Mission 2025 officially commenced, bringing together senior government officials, private sector leaders, and development partners for a week-long engagement focused on enhancing bilateral trade, eliminating barriers, and unlocking regional economic opportunities.
The high-level trade mission was launched under the theme โBuilding Stronger Trade Partnerships for Long-Term Prosperityโ and was spearheaded by the Uganda High Commission in Dar es Salaam, with a strong emphasis on advancing economic and commercial diplomacy.
The official opening took place on 8th April 2025 at the Four Points Hotel in Kampala, Uganda.
Senior delegates from both the United Republic of Tanzania and the Republic of Uganda participated in the event, offering insights into the shared goal of promoting sustainable trade and deepening economic cooperation between the two neighbouring countries.
Speaking at the event, Ugandaโs 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 2024โdriven by robust exports including cement, sugar, dairy, and pharmaceuticals, alongside key imports such as petroleum and machinery from Tanzania.
Ambassador Mwesigye outlined five key goals of the mission: boosting Ugandaโs exports to Tanzania, eliminating non-tariff barriers, promoting business-to-business partnerships, showcasing Ugandaโs investment landscape, and raising awareness of EAC trade policies.
โThe real strength of Africa lies in our unity and our ability to work together towards shared economic goals,โ he said.
He hailed the East African Business Council (EABC), the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU), and the Tanzanian business delegation for their collaborative role in organizing the initiative.
โThis mission is not just about economic figuresโitโs about transforming our potential into action,โ he said, while commending the efforts of PSFU, the East African Business Council, and the Tanzanian delegation for their collaborative spirit.
Representing the East African Business Council (EABC), Mr. Oscar Kamukama, a member of the Board of Directors, welcomed the delegates and extended his appreciation to the organisers for their exemplary coordination.
โUganda and Tanzania are not just trade partnersโwe are building a shared economic destiny,โ Kamukama said. โOur combined population is projected to hit 150 million by 2030, and that represents not just a market, but real power.โ
He noted that Ugandaโs exports to Tanzania in 2022 were valued at USD 170 million, while imports stood at USD 300 million. โThis is a trade imbalance we must addressโbut also a clear sign that our economies are deeply intertwined,โ he added.
Mr. Kamukama stressed the missionโs value in creating business linkages, saying, โB2B matchmaking and industrial site visits are not just symbolicโthey are tools to unlock new value chains in manufacturing, agribusiness, and services.โ
He also challenged businesses to prepare for the opportunities within the African Continental Free Trade Area. โHow we position ourselves now, as East African businesses, will determine whether we lead or lag in this new continental value chain,โ he said.
โLetโs make this mission countโnot just as a forum for ideas, but as a platform for deals, solutions, and long-term collaboration,โ Kamukama urged.
He recalled the 2024 UgandaโTanzania Business Forum in Dar es Salaam as a turning point that laid the groundwork for the current mission.
โWe cannot build a strong region by shielding inefficiencies behind non-tariff barriers,โ Gen. Mbadi said. โPresident Museveniโs decision to allow rice imports from Tanzania was not just about tradeโit was about pragmatism and reducing costs for Ugandan consumers.
He encouraged Tanzanian delegates to explore investment opportunities in Ugandaโs vibrant sectors, such as pharmaceuticals, construction materials, and manufacturing.
He also praised the impact of initiatives like the East African Crude Oil Pipeline, noting it would generate jobs, revenue, and industrial growth across the region.
โLet us go beyond dialogueโthis mission must produce outcomes. History made us neighbours; shared aspirations should make us partners,โ Gen. Mbadi concluded.
She said the trade mission reflects the robust trade and investment ties between the two nations, particularly in agro-processing, dairy, and fast-moving consumer goods.
โWith historical agreements and a shared vision, we are deepening East Africaโs economic integration,โ Ms. Kagingo said. โLet us use this platform to build capacity, foster innovation, and drive inclusive growth.โ
Representing the High Commissioner of Tanzania to Uganda, Mr Masunga Biteko, delivered powerful remarks during the Uganda-Tanzania Trade Mission in Uganda, highlighting the deep-rooted friendship and shared vision for prosperity.
He emphasised that the sole purpose of the trade mission was to explore and unlock the vast potential within the bilateral trade relationship between Uganda and Tanzania and forge partnerships that create opportunities that will drive economic growth and development in both Tanzania and Uganda.
Mr. Biteko encouraged his fellow Tanzanians and the Ugandan hosts to continue using the Air Tanzania Company Limited service for both passenger and freight transportation and the MV Umoja, KAZI NDA, to transport goods between the two nations.
The Trade Mission which runs until the end of the week will include a B2B session as well as field visits to the Kapeeka and Namanve Industrial Park
The mission, which included site visits and business matchmaking, is expected to lay the groundwork for new investments and lasting partnerships in the region.
Organisers say the engagements throughout the week will be critical in accelerating regional trade and enhancing the role of the private sector in East Africaโs development agenda.
