Africa-Press – Uganda. Government is positioning itself to secure a share of the Shs 168.5 trillion worth of trade and investment deals being explored at the ongoing 4th Edition of the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) in Algiers, Algeria.
The high-level summit, which opened on September 4 and is expected to run till Wednesday, has attracted investors, business leaders, and delegations from over 75 countries, all showcasing diverse trade and investment opportunities across the African continent.
Representing President Museveni, The Minister Of Finance, Planning and Economic Development Matia Kasaija is leading Uganda’s delegation at the fair.
He is expected to present the country’s priority areas for investment, collaboration, and partnerships to potential investors.
According to the Ministry of Finance, Uganda is particularly seeking investors in the dairy sector, mining, agro-industrialisation, and manufacturing opportunities through the country’s industrial parks.
“The Intra-African Trade Fair provides an excellent platform to showcase Uganda’s investment potential. We are ready to partner with regional and global investors in sectors that will accelerate our industrialisation agenda and create sustainable jobs,” Kasaija said.
Organised by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) in collaboration with the African Union Commission (AUC) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, the IATF is regarded as Africa’s premier platform for trade and investment.
The fair offers a marketplace for buyers and sellers, business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-government (B2G) exchanges, and discussions on solutions to address barriers to intra-African trade.
This year’s fair is running under the theme: “Boosting Intra-African Trade for a Sustainable Future: Innovation, Value Addition, and Green Industrialisation.”
Uganda’s participation is being coordinated by the Uganda Free Zones and Export Promotions Authority, which is showcasing export-ready products and highlighting investment opportunities available in the country.
Uganda is already building strong trade relations with Algeria, particularly in the dairy sector.
Earlier this year, the first consignment of 500 metric tonnes of powdered milk was shipped to Algeria in fulfillment of a trade deal witnessed by President Museveni.
The shipment formed part of a larger 2,100 metric tonnes of milk powder order, worth over Shs 28.07 billion, secured through bilateral negotiations and a Memorandum of Understanding signed during President Museveni’s official visit to Algeria in March 2023.
The agreement also opened doors for Uganda to export coffee, milk, and other agricultural products to the North African market.
The Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Frank Tumwebaze , who attended the event together with Brookside and other dairy sector representatives, expressed optimism that the initiative would boost exports and help secure stable markets for farmers.
According to Trading Economics, Uganda also exports products such as coffee, tea, maté and spices, cocoa and cocoa preparations, as well as edible vegetables and tubers to Algeria.
By participating in the IATF, Uganda aims to expand such partnerships, attract strategic investment, and strengthen its role as a key player in the African Continental Free Trade Area.
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