The inaugural Uganda-France Investment, Tourism, and Trade Conference is taking place at Cercle D’Aumale in Paris from February 17 - 20, marking a significant step in Uganda’s economic and commercial diplomacy. Organised by the Uganda Embassy in Paris, the event is aimed at deepening trade and tourism partnerships between Uganda and France.
The conference seeks to highlight Uganda’s investment potential in key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, renewable energy, and ICT, while showcasing the country’s unique tourism offerings, including its wildlife, landscapes, and cultural heritage. French investors, business leaders, and government officials were invited to explore business opportunities in Uganda’s growing economy.
Ugandan officials in attendance include Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bagiire Vincent Waiswa, Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury, Ramathan Ggoobi, Uganda Investment Authority Executive Director, Robert Mukiiza, Uganda Revenue Authority Customs Commissioner, Abel Kagumire, and Uganda Tourism Board CEO, Dr. Lilly Ajarova.
Speaking at the opening, Uganda’s Ambassador to France, Doreen Ruth Amule, underscored the importance of strengthening trade networks and fostering public-private partnerships between French and Ugandan stakeholders. “This conference creates a platform for exploring investment opportunities, building sustainable tourism collaborations, and strengthening trade ties,” Amule stated.
Representing the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Permanent Secretary Bagiire Vincent Waiswa reiterated Uganda’s strategic investment opportunities in agro-industrialisation, tourism infrastructure, mineral development, and science and technology innovation. He urged investors to take advantage of Uganda’s conducive business climate, mineral wealth, and access to the 300-million-strong East African Community (EAC) market and the 600-million-strong Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA).
Bagiire noted that the event also engaged potential investors from Spain and Portugal, countries to which Uganda’s Paris Embassy is accredited. He highlighted France’s strong investment track record in Uganda, particularly in the oil and gas sector, with over 40 French companies operating in the country.
Treasury Secretary Ramathan Ggoobi emphasised that the conference aligned with Uganda’s Ten-fold Growth Strategy, which aims to expand the economy from $50 billion in FY 2022/23 to $500 billion by 2040. “We are showcasing Uganda’s regulatory improvements, incentives, and infrastructure developments that lower the cost of doing business and attract foreign investors,” he said.
Uganda Investment Authority’s Robert Mukiiza and Uganda Revenue Authority’s Abel Kagumire outlined the investment and tax incentives available to new investors. Uganda Tourism Board CEO Lilly Ajarova highlighted Uganda’s rich tourism potential and invited French, Spanish, and Portuguese filmmakers to take advantage of the country’s scenic locations and affordable labour for film production.
On the sidelines, Ugandan officials met with executives from TOTAL Energies to discuss progress on the Tilenga segment of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) project. Xavier Ecomard, TOTAL’s Uganda-Tanzania Country Delegate, revealed that of the $10 billion investment anticipated from TOTAL, at least 18% would directly benefit Ugandan businesses. He added that the project has created 18,000 direct and 30,000 indirect jobs in Uganda.
