Anite pitches to Chinese investors in renewable energy, ICT, tourism

Uganda’s drive to harness its abundant renewable energy resources took center stage at the Wuxi conference in China, where Minister Evelyn Anite engaged high-profile Chinese energy firms.

Anite outlined Uganda’s plan to achieve universal electrification by 2030, a goal that requires significant investment in solar, hydropower, and wind energy.

The Minister stressed that Uganda offers unique opportunities for investors in clean renewable energy, given its vast natural resources and favorable investment climate.

"Uganda’s potential in clean energy is enormous, and we are inviting Chinese investors to be part of this transformation. By partnering with us, Chinese energy firms can help us achieve our electrification targets while also benefiting from high returns and guaranteed markets," Anite emphasized.

Uganda is currently generating over 1,300 MW of electricity, with an additional 1,000 MW potential in large hydropower projects like the Karuma Dam, alongside vast solar opportunities in regions with high sunshine exposure.

Minister Anite noted that Uganda’s energy demand is growing at 9% per year, driven by rapid urbanization and industrial expansion.

For Chinese investors, the renewable energy sector offers a unique opportunity to enter one of Africa’s fastest-growing markets while contributing to global carbon reduction efforts.

Uganda’s government provides favorable tariffs, long-term power purchase agreements, and zero import duties on equipment, making it an attractive destination for clean energy investments.

Anite emphasizED that the partnership between Uganda and Chinese firms could serve as a model for Africa’s energy transition.

ICT

With Uganda positioning itself as a future leader in digital infrastructure, Minister Evelyn Anite courted  Chinese investors to support the nation’s ambitious ICT plans.

Speaking at the Wuxi conference, Anite made a compelling case for investment in Uganda’s telecommunications sector, which is poised for explosive growth in the coming years.

"Uganda’s digital economy is expanding rapidly, and we need substantial investment in telecommunications infrastructure to ensure that everyone, from our capital cities to the most rural areas, is connected," Anite told an audience of top-tier Chinese telecommunications firms.

With over 70% mobile penetration and growing demand for internet access, Uganda’s ICT sector presents a lucrative opportunity for Chinese investors to provide the infrastructure that will support the country’s future digital economy.

Anite highlighted the Ugandan government’s focus on building a modern, inclusive telecom infrastructure that supports e-commerce, e-governance, and financial inclusion, especially in rural areas.

Currently, only 26% of Uganda’s population has internet access, leaving a significant gap that Chinese firms could help fill. Uganda is targeting a 50% increase in mobile broadband coverage by 2025, and Chinese companies are well-positioned to contribute to this growth.

For investors, the opportunities are immense.

Uganda’s government is offering tax holidays, expedited licenses for new infrastructure projects, and favorable regulations for foreign telecom companies.

Anite noted that Chinese firms, already global leaders in telecommunications technology, could achieve significant market share in Uganda’s growing digital economy while bringing affordable internet and mobile services to millions of Ugandans.

Zhang Wuxu, the General Manager of Iflytek, stated during a similar partnership, “Innovation in Africa will reshape the future, and it begins with the right investments in people and technology.”

"With the support of visionary leadership like yours, we are confident that our investments will help  advance in ways that uplift communities, create jobs, and pave the way for long-term prosperity. We look forward to building this bright future together."

Tourism

She also highlighted the immense potential of Uganda’s tourism sector and called on Chinese investors to explore untapped opportunities in one of Africa’s most breathtaking destinations.

Known as the "Pearl of Africa," Uganda offers rich wildlife, cultural heritage, and natural beauty that attracts over 1.5 million tourists annually—a number the government plans to increase significantly with the right investments.

"Uganda is home to rare and unique attractions such as the endangered mountain gorillas, the world’s longest river—the Nile—and some of Africa’s most beautiful national parks. We are inviting Chinese investors to help us elevate our tourism sector by developing world-class resorts, eco-friendly lodges, and adventure tourism experiences," Anite told the audience.

The tourism sector, which contributed over $1.6 billion to Uganda’s GDP pre-pandemic, is a major priority for the government as it looks to diversify its economy.

Anite stressed that Uganda’s unique combination of natural wonders and its status as a safe and welcoming country for tourists make it an ideal investment destination for Chinese companies looking to expand into Africa’s booming tourism industry.

She said Chinese investors can benefit from Uganda’s strategic tourism locations, tax exemptions on hotel construction, and government-backed initiatives to boost tourist arrivals from Asia, including China.

Uganda offers investors prime land near its national parks and tourism corridors, and investors will also benefit from Uganda’s growing appeal to eco-conscious travelers.