The Uganda High Commission in Dar es Salaam, working with the Government of Malawi, on November 20 opened the second Uganda-Malawi Business Forum and Exhibition at the President Hotel in Lilongwe, marking a renewed effort to deepen economic ties between the two countries.
The forum, held under the theme “Exploring and tapping into the rich opportunities for deeper collaboration,” runs until November 22 and focuses on widening trade, boosting investment flows, and promoting joint ventures in priority sectors.
Uganda’s High Commissioner to Tanzania and accredited envoy to Malawi, Col. (Rtd.) Fred Mwesigye, said the gathering was intended to raise awareness among Malawian enterprises about Uganda’s economic potential across agriculture, manufacturing, tourism and technology.
He noted that creating mutual understanding of each country’s market would open pathways for increased trade and investment.
Amb. Mwesigye highlighted Uganda’s macroeconomic stability, citing average GDP growth of 5–6 percent and optimism around oil and gas development, agro-industrialisation, tourism recovery, ICT innovation and energy expansion.
He added that Uganda’s location offers access to a combined regional market of over 700 million people through the EAC, COMESA and AfCFTA.
The envoy also pointed to improved regional connectivity, revealing that Malawi Airlines will, beginning December 15, start flying to Uganda four times a week following discussions between the two countries’ aviation authorities.
A delegation of up to 15 Malawian business leaders will travel on the inaugural flight to explore opportunities with Ugandan counterparts.
He commended the role of national chambers of commerce and investment agencies on both sides, including the Malawi Investment and Trade Centre (MITC) and the Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, for driving follow-through on agreed initiatives.
He urged continued partnership as both countries pursue shared economic goals.
Speaking on behalf of Malawi’s Minister of Trade, Industrialisation, Business and Tourism, Chief Guest Sphiwe Msiska said the forum offered a platform to expand market access within Comesa and the EAC.
She noted that Malawi’s rebranded ministry reflects the country’s focus on industrialisation and tourism development.
Ms Msiska outlined investment opportunities in agribusiness—where more than 70 percent of Malawians depend on agriculture—highlighting high-value products such as sugar, macadamia nuts, tea, and tobacco.
She encouraged Ugandan investors to partner with Malawian farmers to boost production, value addition, and exports.
She also pointed to prospects in mining, energy and natural resources, noting Malawi’s underdeveloped rare-earth deposits and ongoing licensing opportunities.
In tourism, she said Lake Malawi, cultural sites and national parks provide openings for joint eco-tourism initiatives, especially with the new air route.
Ms Msiska reaffirmed Malawi’s stable political environment, investment incentives—including tax holidays and export-related benefits—and its duty-free access to regional markets through Comesa and SADC.
She encouraged Ugandan and Malawian businesses to seek guidance from MITC to support investment processes and ensure smooth operations.
Day one of the forum featured presentations from the Uganda Investment Authority, Uganda Manufacturers Association, Uganda Airlines, Uganda Chamber of Energy and Minerals, and MITC.
Business-to-business and government-to-government sessions explored partnership development and potential joint ventures aligned with Uganda’s NDP IV and the 2025/2026 budget theme of fully monetising the economy through commercial agriculture, industrialisation, services growth, digital transformation and expanded market access.