Trade Dubai companies seek out deals in Uganda By Neil Halligan December 16, 2024, 3:55 PM Alamy/Adam Ján Figel via Reuters A taxi park in central Kampala. The Dubai International Chamber arranged more than 300 meetings in the city for Dubai companies 29 Dubai companies involved Trade mission to Kampala Backed by Dubai Chambers Representatives from 29 Dubai-based private sector companies have been in Uganda on a trade mission to seek investment deals across a range of sectors. Dubai International Chamber arranged more than 300 business meetings in Kampala between companies from both cities during the first leg of its visit to Uganda and Tanzania. Companies from sectors ranging from construction and engineering to healthcare and information technology were part of the trip last week. As part of the mission the chamber hosted a forum about doing business with Uganda, during which it signed an agreement with the Uganda National Chamber of Commerce and Industry to collaborate on future trade missions, conferences and business events. Dubai Chamber said 148 Ugandan businesses were registered as active members of its organisation, 60 of which joined this year. UAE believes trade with Africa is worth the risk Africa’s port assets are irresistible for the UAE Nigeria-UAE trade tipped to recover as Emirates restarts flights Non-oil trade between Dubai and Uganda reached AED4.4 billion ($1.1 billion) in 2023, according to Dubai Customs data. Dubai International Chamber said it has identified several promising export sectors to Uganda, including diagnostic and laboratory devices, electricity meters, ceramic tiles, cooking oils and animal feed. It said the investment opportunities in Uganda include tourism, agriculture, mining, information and communications technology, electronics and infrastructure projects including roads, railways, and water supply systems. Mohammad Lootah, CEO of Dubai Chambers, said his office is committed to improving Dubai’s trade and investment partnerships with countries worldwide: “Supporting companies from Dubai to grow and expand globally across diverse sectors remains a priority,” he said. UAE-Uganda ties Uganda announced plans to fully fund its $4 billion oil refinery project through equity, with UAE-based Alpha MBM Investments pledging funding over a three-year period. The refinery will have a capacity of 60,000 barrels per day, with commercial production expected by 2025. UAE’s Amea Power started construction of a 24 MW solar PV plant in Uganda in August this year, which will be the largest in the region upon its completion. Amea Power expects to commission the Ituka solar project in the third quarter of 2025. Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry announced plans in June to build a new international airport in Uganda. The Kidepo International Airport in Karamoj will be located near Uganda’s border with Kenya. Register now: It’s easy and free AGBI registered members can access even more of our unique analysis and perspective on business and economics in the Middle East. Why sign uP Exclusive weekly email from our editor-in-chief Personalised weekly emails for your preferred industry sectors Read and download our insight packed white papers Access to our mobile app Prioritised access to live events Register for free Already registered? Sign in I’ll register later