Uganda and Nigeria are seeking to expand bilateral trade beyond traditional raw and processed commodities into manufactured goods, technology and services as both countries work to strengthen commercial relations under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Speaking at the Uganda-Nigeria Business Forum in Kampala, Minister of State for Trade Gen. Wilson Mbasu Mbadi said trade between the two nations has grown in recent years but remains far below its full potential.
โWhen we examine our bilateral commercial figures, one thing becomes immediately clear: our trade is growing, but we have barely scratched the surface,โ Mbadi said.
He noted that Ugandaโs exports to Nigeria have mainly consisted of raw and processed tobacco, specialised agricultural commodities and animal products, while imports from Nigeria have largely included rubber products, poultry supplies and technical equipment.
According to Mbadi, the next phase of cooperation should focus on broadening trade to include manufactured products, processed foods, technology and services.
โThis trade imbalance and modest volume must serve as our call to action. We must diversify our trade baskets into manufactured goods, processed foods, technology and services because the market is there,โ he said.
The minister added that Uganda offers Nigerian investors more than access to its domestic population of about 50 million people. Through regional trade arrangements, investors can also tap into the wider East African Community market, as well as opportunities provided by COMESA and the AfCFTA.
At the same time, Uganda is seeking stronger commercial partnerships and greater access to Nigeriaโs vast consumer market.
Ugandaโs Chargรฉ dโAffaires in Abuja, Ambassador Phillip Odida, said the AfCFTA presents a valuable framework for boosting intra-African trade, strengthening regional value chains and expanding market access across the continent.
โItโs time for Africa to circle our wagons and deal with trade amongst ourselves. Thatโs the way we will grow,โ Odida said.
He noted that Nigeria offers a large and dynamic market, strong private-sector capacity, financial and industrial expertise, technology and innovation, while Uganda provides investment opportunities in agriculture, agro-processing, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, mineral value addition, ICT, energy and tourism.
Odida said the three-day forum is designed to move beyond discussions by facilitating sector engagements, exhibitions, investment showcases, business matching sessions and field visits. He emphasized that its success should be measured by the partnerships established, investments attracted, markets opened, businesses created and jobs generated.
Ambassador Richard Kabonero, Head of Regional Economic Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said Uganda is keen to expand its commercial presence in West Africa, with Nigeria serving as a strategic gateway to the region.
He highlighted Ugandaโs pharmaceutical sector, including Quality Chemical Industries Limited, as an example of the potential for Ugandan products to successfully access the Nigerian market.
Held under the theme โEnhancing Business Linkages and Market Access through the AfCFTA Framework,โ the forum has brought together government officials, investors and business leaders from both countries to explore new opportunities in trade, investment and private-sector collaboration. The initiative aims to transform the longstanding political relationship between Uganda and Nigeria into stronger and more sustainable commercial partnerships.
