UAE investors eye Uganda’s agriculture potential after week-long investment mission

UAE – A group of senior investors from the United Arab Emirates has wrapped up a strategic investment mission in Uganda focused on opportunities in the country’s agriculture and agro-processing sectors.

The delegation, which included executives from ten UAE-based companies, spent a week in Uganda from June 26 to July 3, 2025. Their visit was coordinated by the Uganda Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Uganda Consulate in Dubai and supported by the Uganda Investment Authority and Uganda Free Zones Authority.

The mission aligns with Uganda’s Fourth National Development Plan, which prioritizes agriculture as a key driver of economic growth and exports.

Speaking after the visit, a member of the UAE delegation noted, “We came to understand Uganda’s agriculture potential and look at areas where our investment can support long-term growth. What we saw was encouraging. The country has good soil, a stable environment, and a clear vision for agriculture.”

The group visited several agro-industrial sites across the country, including Maganjo Grain Millers, the Namanve Tree Seed Centre, NUCAFE’s coffee processing facility, Masubi Farm’s avocado oil plant, and Kakira Sugar Limited.

These visits gave the investors a direct look into Uganda’s agricultural value chains. Discussions focused on possible investments in agro-industrial parks, irrigation systems, logistics, and export-linked processing.

The delegation also met with Ugandan officials and private sector leaders to explore joint ventures and identify priority projects.

“Our goal is to move from subsistence to commercial farming,” said one Ugandan official. “Partnerships like this are important because they bring in expertise, financing, and better infrastructure. But we want to ensure they also benefit local communities.”

The UAE delegation emphasized that they are not looking for quick wins. Instead, they want to build sustainable partnerships.

While no formal investment deals were signed during this first visit, both sides expressed commitment to moving forward. Plans include feasibility studies and targeted proposals over the coming months.

Growing Uganda-UAE economic ties

The UAE imports more than 80 percent of its food. As part of its food security strategy, it is actively seeking stable agriculture partners in Africa.

Uganda, with its favorable growing conditions and access to East African markets, has become an area of strong interest.

This mission comes on the back of wider efforts by both governments to deepen trade and investment relations.

A recent meeting in Kampala between senior officials from the UAE and Uganda focused on investment protocols and improving business frameworks for foreign investors.

“We are committed to creating a friendly and transparent environment for investment,” said an official from Uganda’s Ministry of Agriculture. “These partnerships help us add value to what we grow and open up new markets.”

As Uganda positions itself as a key player in regional food systems, follow-up from this mission will be closely watched. If successfully implemented, the proposed investments could increase export revenues, create new jobs, and support local agro-processors in scaling up their operations.

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