Uganda has called for stronger transport and trade links across Eastern and Southern Africa to widen markets for its products and attract investment.
State Minister for General Duties Cissy Mulondo made the call at a joint meeting of senior officials and experts from the two regions in Namibia.
The Economic Commission for Africa organised the meeting to strengthen cooperation on connectivity, trade and investment.
Mulondo said closer regional ties would help businesses reach more customers, strengthen production networks across borders and create opportunities for communities.
“Uganda remains a steadfast partner in building an integrated Africa through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA),” she said.
For Uganda, wider regional markets could support its Tenfold Growth Strategy, which targets a US$500 billion economy by 2040.
The government sees stronger trade links as a route to expanding markets for agro-industrial products and minerals, alongside opportunities to promote tourism.
It also expects regional cooperation to attract investment, support local processing and create jobs in priority sectors.
The meeting brings together the Joint Intergovernmental Committee of Senior Officials and Experts of Eastern and Southern Africa.
Discussions centre on the theme, “Bridging Eastern and Southern Africa: Connectivity, Trade and Investment for a More Integrated Continent.”
Mulondo reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to regional cooperation and efforts to build a more integrated African economy.
