Uganda successfully hosted the Second Uganda-Qatar Business Forum in Doha on Monday this week, marking a significant step in its strategy to leverage economic and commercial diplomacy for national growth.
Held under the theme, “Uganda and Qatar in Partnership for Shared Economic Development,” the high-level event showcased Uganda’s potential and solidified a commitment to convert diplomatic dialogue into tangible, job-creating partnerships.
The Forum, led by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Vincent Waiswa Bagiire, attracted senior government officials, investors, and private-sector leaders from both nations, underscoring the growing importance of the Qatar-Uganda corridor in East Africa’s economic transformation.
Uganda Open for Qatari Capital and Strategic Partnership
In his keynote address, Mr. Bagiire strongly affirmed Uganda’s commitment to being “open for business to strategic partners like Qatar.” He presented Uganda not just as a market, but as a gateway to the region, supported by critical advantages which include:
Vast Opportunities: The primary sectors targeted for Qatari investment include agro-industrialisation, manufacturing, tourism, and infrastructure.
Unique Demographics: The country’s political stability and youthful workforce provide a foundation for long-term, sustainable projects.
Regional Access: Uganda offers investors a strategic base with access to the broader East African Community (EAC) market.
The Permanent Secretary urged participants to move beyond discussion, emphasising the need to “convert dialogue into real partnerships that create jobs and prosperity for both nations.”
Trade Growth and Diplomatic Milestones
The Forum provided concrete evidence of the blossoming bilateral relationship between the two countries. Mr. Mohammed Massami, Chairman of KON Group, highlighted the steady upward trajectory of bilateral trade over the past decade, noting that:
Uganda’s exports to Qatar have grown from USD 20 million to USD 34 million.
Qatar’s exports to Uganda have increased from USD 17 million to USD 26 million.
He noted that this growth is further supported by increased weekly flights between the two countries, enhancing connectivity for both trade and tourism.
A key diplomatic milestone was also applauded: the forthcoming establishment of the Embassy of the State of Qatar in Uganda. This development signals a new, deeper chapter of institutional cooperation that will streamline investment and trade facilitation.
Showcasing The Pearl of Africa
A major focus of the Forum was the dedicated panel discussion featuring key promotional agencies: the Uganda Investment Authority (UIA), the Uganda Export Promotion Board (UEPB), and the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB). These agencies collectively marketed Uganda’s competitive edge:
UIA showcased attractive investment incentives for foreign capital.
UEPB detailed high-value export opportunities, particularly in processed agricultural goods.
UTB promoted the country’s rich attractions under the “Explore Uganda, The Pearl of Africa” brand, encouraging Qatari investment in high-end hospitality and eco-tourism.
As H.E. Dr. Stephen Chebrot, Ambassador of Uganda to the State of Qatar, noted, the “Forum is part of Uganda’s growing engagement with Qatar under the framework of commercial diplomacy, aiming to expand trade, investment, and tourism linkages.”
The success of this second edition reaffirms the platform as vital for fostering lasting partnerships rooted in mutual economic benefit.