Uganda-Nigeria Business Forum to Boost Market Access and AfCFTA Trade

KAMPALA, UGANDA — Uganda and Nigeria are set to strengthen business linkages, investment partnerships and market access as private-sector leaders, investors and government officials from the two countries converge in Kampala for the Uganda–Nigeria Business Forum and Exhibition 2026.

The two-day forum, scheduled for September 9–10 at Mestil Hotel & Residences, is being organised by the Uganda High Commission in Abuja in partnership with the governments of Uganda and Nigeria, with support from Quality Chemical Industries Limited (Qcil) and Uganda Airlines.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Uganda +1 The forum is designed to translate the longstanding diplomatic relationship between Uganda and Nigeria into stronger commercial cooperation, with particular emphasis on expanding trade and investment opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Dr Sam Omara of the Uganda High Commission in Abuja said the engagement is intended to create direct connections between businesses while addressing some of the practical barriers that continue to limit cross-border trade between East and West Africa.

The Nigerian delegation is expected to include more than 20 companies and investors operating in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, oil and gas, cement, fertiliser and urea production, financial services, digital payments, ICT, agro-machinery, palm oil, agriculture, real estate, manufacturing and industrial research.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Uganda Agriculture and agro-processing are expected to feature prominently, with participants exploring opportunities in commercial farming, livestock, agricultural machinery, farm management, value addition and other areas along the agricultural value chain.

For Uganda, Nigeria presents an important gateway into the large West African market, while Nigerian companies can use Uganda's strategic position to access the wider East African market.

The forum will also focus on opportunities for Ugandan exporters in areas including coffee, dairy products, food, textiles and apparel, fruits, tourism and other value-added products. Uganda's pharmaceutical industry has already demonstrated export potential in Nigeria through products manufactured by Qcil.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Uganda Stephen Asiimwe, Chief Executive Officer of the Private Sector Foundation Uganda, has highlighted opportunities for Ugandan businesses in Nigeria, particularly in food, tourism, textiles, fashion and the creative industries. Nigerian companies, meanwhile, could use Uganda as a platform for expanding into East African markets.

A major component of the forum will be business-to-business matchmaking, allowing companies to identify potential customers, investors, distributors and strategic partners. The programme will also include investment showcases, business pitches, sector discussions, a town hall and a business exhibition. Organisers will further use the forum to address non-tariff barriers affecting cross-border commerce, including product registration, standards compliance, market-entry requirements and visa reciprocity. Resolving such challenges will be critical if the opportunities created by AfCFTA are to translate into actual trade and investment deals.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Uganda The event comes at a time when African countries are increasingly seeking to turn AfCFTA from a policy framework into practical opportunities for businesses. The AfCFTA Council of Ministers has placed implementation and delivery of a single African market at the centre of the continent's trade agenda.

The forum will also explore the role of improved air connectivity in supporting the movement of people, goods and services between the two countries. Uganda Airlines' direct connection with Abuja has already provided a platform for increased business and tourism interaction.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Uganda Beyond trade, participants are expected to explore cooperation in tourism, fintech, manufacturing, creative industries and technology, while a dedicated Uganda Hub will showcase the country's investment and trade opportunities and a Fintech Alley will highlight digital payment and financial technology solutions. The organisers expect the engagement to generate new business-to-business relationships, investment opportunities, strategic partnerships and a roadmap for sustained commercial cooperation.

As Uganda and Nigeria seek to deepen economic ties, the forum provides an opportunity to position the two countries as a commercial bridge between East and West Africa, using AfCFTA to expand markets, strengthen value chains and create new opportunities for African businesses.