Uganda Pearl of Africa Business Forum and Expo 2025 held at the Renaissance Hotel in Kuala Lumpur concluded with strong optimism, bringing together key stakeholders from both Uganda and Malaysia to establish new trade, investment, and sustainability pathways. This two-day event highlighted Uganda’s growing economic potential and emphasized its desire to build long-term partnerships, starting with Malaysia.
As one of the fastest-growing economies in Africa, Uganda showcased a compelling case for investment opportunities across various sectors including agriculture, energy, mining, and manufacturing. The forum served as an important platform for Malaysia to explore these opportunities and further foster collaboration between both countries.
The Ugandan delegation was led by Hon. Matia Kasaija, Minister of Finance and Economic Development, and included other prominent ministers such as Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu, Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Hon. Frank Tumwebaze, Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, and Hon. Henry Oryem Okello, State Minister for Foreign Affairs. These leaders presented Uganda’s growth trajectory and engaged in discussions with their Malaysian counterparts and business leaders to strengthen bilateral ties.
Minister Kasaija made a direct appeal to Malaysian investors to visit Uganda, stressing the country’s peaceful and dynamic environment. He called on them to explore Uganda beyond the stereotypes often associated with Africa, emphasizing its readiness for partnerships in various sectors.
In the spirit of collaboration, Malaysia’s Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu hosted a gala dinner to mark the ongoing friendship and trade relationship between the two nations. He urged both countries to surpass the current trade levels and look for new ways to engage in sustainable growth, particularly in the renewable energy and agricultural sectors.
The forum also featured insightful discussions about Uganda’s thriving agriculture sector, where high-value commodities such as coffee, vanilla, cocoa, and palm oil were highlighted as opportunities for collaboration with Malaysia’s agribusiness sector. Additionally, Uganda’s energy sector, including oil drilling and renewable energy initiatives, was a major focus of the discussions, with government representatives emphasizing the country’s favorable regulatory framework for private sector investment.
Uganda’s increasing focus on manufacturing was also showcased during the event, as the country looks to expand its industrial base and create opportunities for international investors. The discussions underscored the country’s plans for infrastructure development and its commitment to building sustainable industries.
Logistical and connectivity improvements were another key area of focus during the forum, with discussions on direct flight routes between Uganda and Malaysia. This move would help facilitate both trade and tourism, further enhancing business opportunities between the two nations.
As the event concluded, Datuk Irwin Cheong, Co-founder of the World-One Business Federation, expressed gratitude for the fruitful discussions and emphasized that the forum marked the beginning of a new chapter in Uganda-Malaysia relations. He stressed that the forum was not just about recognizing shared opportunities but about building a lasting partnership for mutual growth and sustainability.
The Uganda Pearl of Africa Business Forum and Expo 2025 was a significant step forward in fostering economic collaboration between Uganda and Malaysia. With strong political support and enthusiasm from business leaders, the event provided a solid foundation for future trade and investment ventures, paving the way for a more prosperous and sustainable future for both nations.
