Uganda is set to participate in the Uganda-Japan Trade and Investment Forum, a high-level event slated for June 19, 2025, at Ritz-Carlton in Osaka, Japan.
This strategic gathering will take place on the sidelines of the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, where Uganda is exhibiting under the sub-theme "Empowering Lives", as part of the broader Expo theme: “Designing Future Society for Our Lives.”
The event,l expected to bring together over 600 representatives from approximately 160 countries, regions, and international organisations aims at strengthening bilateral trade ties, promoting investment and tourism between Uganda and Japan.
According to officials, Uganda’s delegation includes top technocrats such as Hez Kimoomi Alinda, Executive Director of the Uganda Free Zones and Export Promotions Authority,Ramathan Ggoobi the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Finance, Robert Mukiza, Director General of the Uganda Investment Authority among others .
These officials are expected to showcase Uganda’s trade potential and bankable projects particularly in agriculture, manufacturing, tourism and infrastructure .
Speaking ahead of the forum, Vincent Bagiire, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasised Uganda's growing potential in international markets.
“There’s an increase in exports to the UAE, all due to our successful participation in Expo 2020,” he said, highlighting the value of commercial diplomacy in expanding Uganda’s global footprint.
Uganda’s participation at Expo 2025 reflects its commitment to deepening partnerships with Japan and other global players.
The Uganda Free Zones and Export Promotion Authority reports that Free Zones contributed US$469 million to Uganda’s total export earnings in the FY 2022/2023 — approximately 9% of total exports.
The Executive Director of the Authority Hez Kimoomi Alinda told us that he is hopeful that Free Zones can increase Ugandan exports to more markets, including Japan.
“The Free Zone in Entebbe alone is projected to raise US$113 million in export earnings within three years, create 753 direct jobs and 600 indirect jobs, and inject US$10 million in private sector investment.” Kimoomi said
Ugandan Ambassador to Japan, H.E. Tophace Kaahwa, underscored the opportunity the forum presents, especially for Ugandan exporters of bananas, fresh fruits, and coffee.
“This forum will open new doors for our agro-exporters seeking entry into the Japanese market,” she said.
Despite longstanding trade ties, the trade imbalance remains stark. Uganda’s exports to Japan currently stand at only US$21.6 million, while imports from Japan total over US$450 million.
Nevertheless, Uganda and Japan continue to partner on key infrastructure projects , such as the Kampala Flyover Project, supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) among others.
The Uganda-Japan Trade and Investment Forum is expected to catalyze private sector collaborations, promote Uganda’s brand abroad, and help position the country as a competitive player in the global trade ecosystem.