Lilongwe — The Uganda High Commission in Dar es Salaam, in collaboration with the Government of Malawi, has successfully concluded the first day of the second Uganda-Malawi Business Forum and Exhibition at the President Hotel, located in Umodzi Park, Lilongwe. The forum, organised under the theme “Exploring and tapping into the rich opportunities for deeper collaboration,” will run until November 22, 2025.
This event marks a significant milestone in deepening economic cooperation between Uganda and Malawi, reflecting the need to identify opportunities for mutual growth and shared commitment to promote trade, attract investment, and expand regional market opportunities.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, H.E. Col. (Rtd.) Fred Mwesigye, Uganda’s High Commissioner to the United Republic of Tanzania, also accredited to Malawi, highlighted the importance of the forum in seeking to create awareness and generate interest among business enterprises in Malawi about the abundant opportunities available in Uganda, whether in agriculture, manufacturing, tourism or technology. He further explained that the forum aims to steer trade by identifying potential areas for partnerships and joint ventures. Fostering a deeper understanding of each other’s markets can pave the way for increased trade and investment.
“Under the leadership of President Yoweri Museveni, Uganda remains one of the most stable and steadily growing economies in Sub-Saharan Africa,” said Amb. Mwesigye sharing that, GDP growth in Uganda has averaged between 5-6%, with projections indicating even faster expansion driven by oil and gas development, agro-industrialisation, tourism recovery, ICT innovation and energy investments.
He also informed that Uganda’s strategic location positions her as a gateway to a combined market of over 700 million people through the EAC, COMESA, and AfCFTA. “For investors, this means duty-free, quota-free access to regional markets, reduced tariffs, harmonised standards, and a growing consumer base,” said H.E. Mwesigye.
Amb. Mwesigye also noted that Uganda Airlines has enhanced regional connectivity by linking Uganda to key markets, thereby supporting more efficient trade. He further expressed gratitude that, as of yesterday, 20 November 2025, the delegation held productive discussions with officials from Malawi Airlines and the civil aviation authorities of both countries.
As a result, beginning 15 December, Malawi Airlines will start flying to Uganda four times a week, which will greatly ease travel and business linkages. He added that a select group of 10–15 business people in agribusiness, manufacturing, and pharmaceutical trade will be on the inaugural flight to Uganda, where they will meet their counterparts to explore new opportunities.
Complementing the role of both chambers of commerce, investment promotion agencies and sector associations, Mwesigye recognised the leadership of the Malawi Investment and Trade Centre (MITC), MCCI, and the Ugandan counterparts in ensuring that what both agree on is followed through upon return to Capitals and Boardrooms.
He urged the spirit of partnership and mutual benefit as both parties engage in open dialogue, explore new avenues for collaboration, and work towards building a prosperous future for both Uganda and Malawi.
Chief Guest, Ms Sphiwe Msiska, Director of Administration at the Ministry of Industrialisation, Business, Trade and Tourism of Malawi, spoke on behalf of Hon. Dr Patridge George, Minister of Trade, Industrialisation, Business and Tourism. She noted that the Forum presents an important opportunity for both countries to enhance market access within both COMESA and the EAC, complementing ongoing bilateral cooperation.
She emphasised that Malawi has recently rebranded the Ministry of Trade to the Ministry of Industrialisation, Business, Trade, and Tourism to better align with national priorities in industrialisation and tourism development.
“Malawi offers vast opportunities in agribusiness and agro-processing, with over 70% of Malawians depending on agriculture and producing high-value products such as sugar, macadamia nuts, grape juice, tea, tobacco, and grapes,” she noted. “Ugandan investors can partner with Malawian farmers to boost production, value addition, and exports,” she added. On industrialisation, she highlighted Malawi’s economic zones designed to attract investors and promote manufacturing through joint ventures that add value to raw materials.
Msiska also pointed to opportunities in mining, energy, and natural resources, noting that Malawi has underdeveloped rare-earth elements and has opened licensing for exploration, which Ugandan investors are encouraged to pursue. Growth in this sector will increase energy demand and require expanded transmission.
In tourism, she described Malawi’s assets, Lake Malawi, cultural and heritage sites, and national parks suitable for eco-tourism and noted that new flights create opportunities for joint tourism packages. She further encouraged cooperation in finance and services, including technical fields that support access to larger markets, and highlighted that Malawi’s road and railway networks provide additional opportunities for joint development.
Director Msiska reaffirmed that Malawi maintains a stable political environment and a sound macroeconomic framework conducive to investment. “Priority sectors benefit from generous incentives, including up to 10 years of tax holidays, trading allowances, and export-related incentives. As a member of both SADC and COMESA, Malawi enjoys duty-free access to major regional markets”, she said, urging Uganda to take advantage of these openings through partnerships in land use, infrastructure, and logistics.
Ms Msiska assured participants that the Malawi Investment and Trade Centre (MITC) remains available to support investors and ensure smooth business operations. She encouraged all interested Ugandan investors, entrepreneurs, and Malawian companies to consult MITC for guidance. She concluded by appreciating the timing of the Forum, noting that it could not have come at a more opportune moment to deepen cooperation.
The forum further aimed to maintain momentum in attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and increasing market access for Ugandan products, while offering businesses an opportunity to exhibit their products and align with NDP IV goals plus the 2025/2026 budget theme of “Full monetization of Uganda’s economy through commercial agriculture, industrialization, expanding and broadening services, digital transformation and market access.”
Day one of the event featured presentations and panel discussions on the business environment, investment incentives, and trade opportunities from the Uganda Investment Authority (UIA), the Uganda Manufacturers Association, Uganda Airlines, Uganda Chamber of Energy and Minerals, and the Malawi Investment and Trade Centre (MITC), Business to business and government sessions, opening pathways for partnership development and joint ventures.
