Uganda and Qatar held their second business forum on Sunday, bringing together government officials and private sector representatives to explore economic collaboration between the two countries.
The event at Rotana City Center was attended by Vincent Waiswa Bagiire, Permanent Secretary at Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, alongside investors and business leaders from both nations.
“Uganda’s doors are open to investors who share our vision for sustainable growth,” Bagiire said in his address. “Our country offers vast opportunities in agro-industrialization, manufacturing, tourism, and infrastructure supported by a youthful workforce, political stability, and regional market access.”
Stephen Chebrot, Uganda’s Ambassador to Qatar, outlined the forum’s core objective. “The intention, the main objective, is to promote foreign direct investment by Qataris, to come and invest in Uganda, in the four areas of agriculture, mining, tourism, people to come there and invest in hotels, invest in sectors of agriculture, in mining and industry and science and technology,” he said.
The gathering reflects the country’s push to expand trade, investment, and tourism links with Qatar through commercial diplomacy, according to Chebrot.
The forum featured presentations from the Uganda Investment Authority, Uganda Export Promotion Board, and Uganda Tourism Board.
Mohammed Massami, Chairman of KON Group, highlighted the growth in bilateral trade over the past decade. “Uganda’s exports to Qatar have grown from USD 20 million to USD 34 million, while Qatar’s exports to Uganda have increased from USD 17 million to USD 26 million,” he said.
Massami, who visited Uganda in 2022 to explore $10 million in investment opportunities in agro-processing and mineral development, noted that increased flight connections between the two countries have facilitated business ties.
He also pointed to Qatar’s plans to establish an embassy in Uganda as a sign of deepening diplomatic relations. “The investment partnership between Uganda and Qatar is not just a destination but a true commitment to deepening economic and diplomatic relations,” Massami said.
The forum included a panel discussion on investment incentives and export opportunities available in Uganda’s key economic sectors.
