Strengthening Uganda’s Economic Diplomacy: Uganda-Malaysia Business Forum and Expo 2025 Launched

In a significant move to strengthen Uganda’s economic diplomacy and attract foreign investment, Ambassador Betty Bigombe, Uganda’s High Commissioner to Malaysia, has launched the Uganda-Malaysia Business Forum and Expo 2025. The launch took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters in Kampala. The event was organized by the Uganda Mission in Malaysia, with Ambassador Elly Kamuhungi highlighting that this initiative is part of the strategy to contribute to Uganda’s National Development Plan and propel the economy to a $500 billion GDP within the next 15 years.

The Uganda-Malaysia Business Forum and Expo 2025 is set to take place from April 23rd to 24th at the Renaissance Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The event aims to showcase Uganda’s economic potential in key sectors such as tourism, agriculture, ICT, minerals, oil, and gas. This strategic initiative aligns with government programs aimed at attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), creating jobs, and fostering industrialization.

Speaking at the launch, Ambassador Betty Bigombe emphasized the importance of economic diplomacy and called on the media to educate Ugandans on the work being done abroad. She noted that Southeast Asia often views Africa as a single country, and part of the effort is to change this mindset to encourage investment.

“We are strengthening Uganda and making it a key investment destination. This expo is aimed at bolstering economic diplomacy and bilateral relations. We intend to unlock the mindset of these countries so they can start investing in Uganda,” said Ambassador

As Malaysia assumes the chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2025, Uganda sees a prime opportunity to strengthen ties with Asian economies. Ambassador Bigombe explained that the forum aims to facilitate Business-to-Business (B2B) and Government-to-Government (G2G) meetings, fostering direct engagement between investors and industrialists.

She noted that Uganda’s economy is on a growth trajectory, with a current GDP growth rate of approximately 6.4%. The country aims to expand its economy significantly by tapping into the Asian market, where demand for agricultural produce, oil, gas, and tourism is high.

Ambassador Bigombe underscored that agriculture remains the backbone of Uganda’s economy, with crops like coffee, tea, cotton, and fresh produce highly demanded in the Asian market. She stressed the need for value addition and collaboration with Asian countries to increase productivity and export volumes.

Uganda is also on the brink of becoming a major oil producer, with Malaysia and Indonesia presenting vast opportunities for collaboration in petroleum exploration and refinery operations. Additionally, Uganda’s ICT sector continues to grow rapidly, and partnerships with Asian tech giants could further enhance innovation and digital transformation.

With Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia ranking among the top outbound tourism markets, Uganda hopes to attract tourists by promoting its breathtaking landscapes, rare wildlife, and cultural heritage. Enhancing tourism infrastructure and marketing the Pearl of Africa to Asian travelers are crucial elements of this strategy.

Ambassador Sentongo, representing the Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, praised Ambassador Bigombe’s tireless efforts to advance Uganda’s investment potential. He highlighted the need to seize opportunities abroad and build collaborative business networks to foster growth.

Hajji Habib Kagimu stressed the importance of establishing business relationships with other countries to avoid economic stagnation. He pointed out that Uganda, with a population of 47 million people and a GDP of $45 billion, should strive to reach the economic heights of smaller yet wealthier nations like Singapore.

“If a country has no business relationship with other countries, that country is destined to die of poverty. That’s why we care about our relationship with other countries,” said Hajji Kagimu.

The Uganda-Malaysia Business Forum and Expo 2025 is not just a networking event but a vital platform for fostering deeper bilateral relations and investment opportunities. Ambassador Bigombe called upon government ministries, private sector stakeholders, business leaders, and media to actively participate in the forum to maximize its potential for economic transformation.

With Uganda aiming to achieve a $500 billion economy within 15 years, the time is now to leverage international partnerships and unlock the full potential of Uganda’s rich resources and strategic location. The upcoming forum offers a unique opportunity for Ugandan businesses to connect with Asian investors, laying the groundwork for sustainable economic growth and prosperity.