Uganda teams up with private sector to unlock DRC trade opportunities
At the meeting, Joseph Muvawala, Executive Director of the National Planning Authority, stressed the importance of conducting a comprehensive assessment of the DRC market. He said this would help identify priority sectors, credible private-sector partners, and key value chains that Uganda can target during the summit.
Uganda has intensified preparations for the upcoming Uganda–DRC Summit 2026, with key government agencies and private sector bodies aligning strategies to unlock investment opportunities and deepen cross-border trade with the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The preparatory meeting, convened by Uganda Investment Authority and chaired by Director General Robert Mukiza, brought together stakeholders including Operation Wealth Creation, National Planning Authority, Uganda Manufacturers Association, Private Sector Foundation Uganda, and Uganda Free Zones and Export Promotion Authority.
Discussions focused on strengthening bilateral ties and accelerating trade flows through strategic border points such as Arua–Bunia and Kasese–Beni, which are seen as critical gateways for commerce between the two countries.
Mukiza emphasized the need to move beyond dialogue and focus on implementation, calling for clear, practical strategies backed by measurable outcomes. He said the summit must adopt a results-driven approach aimed at increasing trade volumes and securing concrete investment deals between Uganda and the DRC.
At the meeting, Joseph Muvawala, Executive Director of the National Planning Authority, stressed the importance of conducting a comprehensive assessment of the DRC market. He said this would help identify priority sectors, credible private-sector partners, and key value chains that Uganda can target during the summit.
Echoing the urgency, Emmanuel Ewaku Allio noted that the DRC is ready to expand trade with Uganda beyond minerals into high-impact sectors such as agriculture, including coffee, fish, and maize; agro-processing; manufacturing; and logistics.
Meanwhile, Ezra Muhumuza Rubanda, the ED of the Uganda Manufacturer’s Association, warned that Uganda risks missing out on regional opportunities due to persistent non-tariff barriers. He pointed out that competitors, particularly Kenya, are already positioning themselves strongly in the DRC market, urging Uganda to act swiftly and strategically.
Reagan Ssempijja highlighted the need to address these barriers to ease cross-border trade, noting that the private sector stands ready to mobilize and take advantage of emerging opportunities in the Congolese market.
The summit is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping Uganda’s regional trade agenda, with stakeholders optimistic that a coordinated and action-oriented approach will translate into tangible economic gains for both countries.
