Uganda and Italy are seeking to strengthen trade and investment ties ahead of the first Uganda-Italy Business and Investment Forum. The forum, themed “Shared Opportunities,” will bring together government representatives, investors, business leaders, and private-sector players from both countries. The event aims to explore opportunities in trade, investment, technology transfer, and business partnerships.
Uganda’s Ambassador to Italy, Elizabeth Paula Napeyok, stated that Italy has identified Uganda as one of its 23 priority countries, alongside Kenya, Ethiopia, and Tanzania. The forum presents an opportunity to move Uganda-Italy relations beyond traditional diplomatic engagements towards practical economic partnerships. These partnerships aim to create jobs, attract investment, and facilitate technology transfer.
Italy’s industrial and manufacturing capacity offers opportunities for collaboration in sectors aligned with Uganda’s development priorities. These sectors include agribusiness, food processing and value addition, renewable energy, infrastructure, manufacturing, machinery, tourism, textiles, oil and gas. Italian expertise and investment could also help Uganda’s small and medium-sized enterprises access new technologies and technical expertise.
The forum will position Uganda not only as a market for Italian goods and services but also as a potential production, investment, and regional business hub. One of the key objectives of the forum is to attract Italian investment, promote technology transfer, and connect companies from both countries for joint ventures. The event will also encourage Italian firms to establish or expand operations in Uganda.
Particular emphasis will be placed on agriculture, especially the transition from exporting raw commodities to processing, packaging, branding, and value addition. Coffee, cocoa, cotton, fruits, and vegetables are among the agricultural value chains where Italian expertise could support the development of more competitive businesses. Business-to-business meetings will form a key part of the forum.
The Ugandan Embassy in Italy will play a key role in connecting businesses from the two countries and facilitating direct engagement between the private sectors. Ambassador Henry Mayega, Head of International Economic Cooperation at Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that the forum is expected to contribute to Uganda’s development objectives under the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV) and Vision 2040.
The forum is expected to provide a platform for stakeholders from both countries to identify areas of mutual interest and develop partnerships aimed at increasing trade, investment, and economic cooperation between Uganda and Italy. Discussions will focus on strengthening trade, agriculture, and technology, while also creating opportunities to attract more tourists and investors to Uganda.
Key points
- The first Uganda-Italy Business and Investment Forum will take place in Rome from October 13-14, 2026.
- Italy has identified Uganda as one of its 23 priority countries for investment and trade.
- The forum aims to attract Italian investment, promote technology transfer, and connect companies from both countries for joint ventures.
