Uganda Airlines is set to benefit significantly from a new partnership with the Nigerian government, UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) Nigeria, and Nigerian Airlines, after it launched a dedicated Nigeria-East and Southern Africa cargo route.
This partnership, which was unveiled by Ambassador Philip Odida, the Deputy Head of Mission at the Uganda High Commission in Nigeria, symbolises a maturing of East-West African relations, shifting from political solidarity to practical economic collaboration.
“This dedicated Nigeria-East and Southern Africa cargo route is a practical step in bridging regional markets which hitherto were served by non-African hubs,” Amb. Odida said.
“Many thanks to the Federal Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, H. E. Dr Jumoke Oduwole and the UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria, H. E. Elsie Attafuah, for this focused collaboration. This initiative will carry not only goods, but also the hopes of our people for a more connected, productive, and integrated Africa. As we celebrate these milestones, we also reaffirm our shared commitment to building strong, resilient, and mutually beneficial trading partnerships across the continent as envisioned by our Heads of State,” he added.
Amb. Odida reiterated that Uganda remains an eager partner in this journey, and we look forward to strengthening trade, investment, and connectivity with our Nigerian brothers and sisters.
Benefits of the Partnership
According to Odida, the new cargo route will bring numerous benefits to Uganda Airlines, including:
Increased Connectivity
The direct Entebbe–Lagos–Abuja route will reduce the physical and symbolic distance between Uganda and Nigeria, fostering people-to-people ties, trade, and investment.
Boost to Trade
The partnership will enhance trade between East and West Africa, allowing for the exchange of goods and services between the two regions.
Economic Growth
The partnership will contribute to economic growth in Uganda by increasing access to new markets and promoting investment.
Job Creation
The new cargo route is expected to create new job opportunities in the aviation and logistics sectors.
Increased Competitiveness
This strategic partnership will enable Uganda Airlines to increase its competitiveness in the regional aviation market.
Strengthening East-West African Relations
Odida also noted that the partnership between Uganda Airlines and Nigeria symbolises a new era of cooperation between East and West Africa.
“It demonstrates a commitment to intra-continental connectivity and integration, and affirms Africa’s capacity to shape its continental trade networks,” he said.
The launch of the Nigeria-East and Southern Africa cargo route is a significant development for Uganda Airlines and the Ugandan economy.
The partnership will bring numerous benefits, including increased connectivity, trade, economic growth, job creation, and increased competitiveness.
As East and West Africa continue to strengthen their relations, this partnership is expected to play a key role in promoting regional integration and cooperation.