Uganda is making a bold push to attract Japanese investors and deepen trade ties at the ongoing World Expo in Osaka, Japan positioning itself as a strategic destination for investment in free zones, export-driven industries, and tourism.
At the heart of Uganda’s pitch is a robust economic growth strategy focused on increasing exports, cutting import reliance, and leveraging strategic partnerships to push GDP growth tenfold in the coming years.
“Uganda is ready for take-off. All the systems are now in place — from infrastructure to investment-friendly policies,” said Wilson Mbasu Mbadi, Uganda’s Minister of Trade, during a presentation at the Uganda Pavilion on Yumeshima Island.
The Expo, which has so far drawn over 800,000 Japanese and international visitors, presents a rare opportunity for Uganda to showcase its potential to the world’s third-largest economy with a GDP of $4.2 trillion and a population of over 125 million.
“Our biggest challenge in expanding trade with Japan is simply a lack of information,” said Mbadi. “This Expo allows us to change that. “
“We’re also offering a streamlined investment process through our One Stop Business Facilitation Centre, competitive returns on investment averaging 14%, and supportive tax regulations.” Mbadi added
A key highlight of Uganda’s presence in Osaka is the promotion of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) — central to the country's export growth ambitions.
The Uganda Free Zones and Export Promotion Authority (UFZEPA) with new expanded mandate is driving this initiative.
“Free zones are no longer just designated business areas they’re engines of transformation,” said Hez Kimoomi Alinda, Executive Director of UFZEPA.
“Our flagship Project in Entebbe is about to get completed and it’s all booked up . That shows you the potential within and with just an injection of about $16 million, imagine how the numbers would look if we had more of those “
Beyond trade and manufacturing, tourism has also taken center stage at the Uganda Pavilion, which was designed with support from the Ugandan Embassy in Tokyo.
“Our tourism — particularly gorilla trekking contributes nearly 60% of Uganda’s tourism revenue,” said Eli Twineyo, Uganda’s Trade Commissioner. “At this Expo, we’re also showcasing over 40 bankable investment projects across sectors like agro-processing, ICT, and clean energy.”
Uganda’s Ambassador to Japan, Tophance Kaahwa, emphasised that Uganda is committed to long-term engagement with Japan.
“We are not here just for visibility. We want partnerships — especially in innovation, infrastructure, and sustainable agriculture,” she said.
As the Expo continues and eyes turn to the upcoming Uganda-Japan Trade and Investment Forum, government officials are optimistic that these efforts will drive foreign direct investment and trade volumes in the short to medium term, while forging strategic partnerships for long-term growth.
“The land of the rising sun could be the partner we’ve been waiting for “ Kimoomi remarked
