The Uganda the Pearl of Africa Business Forum and Expo 2025, held at the Renaissance Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, successfully highlighted Uganda’s economic growth and investment potential. The two-day event featured participation from government officials, industry leaders, and investors from both Uganda and Malaysia.
Key ministers from Uganda, including Hon. Matia Kasaija (Minister of Finance) and Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu (Minister of Energy), engaged in discussions to enhance bilateral trade and economic partnerships. A gala dinner, officiated by Malaysian Agriculture Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, celebrated the growing friendship between the two nations.
In his remarks during the forum’s official dinner, Mohamad said:
“We are truly honoured to host this significant event—one that lays a solid foundation for deeper economic engagement, enriched people-to-people connections, and enduring collaboration.”
“Let us go beyond the USD358.13 million in trade recorded last year and build on the strengths we share.”
Uganda’s Minister Kasaija summed up the forum’s core message with a direct call to action:
“Come and see Uganda for yourself. Seeing is believing.
“Too often, Africa is painted with a broad brush. Uganda is a peaceful, vibrant, and fast-growing country. We are here to show you the truth,” said Kasaija.
Earlier in the day, at the launching event, Malaysia was represented by Datuk Muhtar Hashim, Executive Director of the Chemical Industries Council of Malaysia, who reflected on the opportunities ahead:
“Uganda reminds us of Malaysia’s own early industrial journey. There’s a clear path—from raw resources to value-added industries. We see significant opportunities, particularly in renewable and sustainable sectors.”
Uganda’s High Commissioner to Malaysia, Her Excellency Dr. Betty Oyella Bigombe, emphasized that Malaysia and Uganda can achieve much with effective collaboration in common industries. The forum showcased Uganda’s dynamic sectors, including agriculture, mining, manufacturing, and energy, all focused on sustainability.
Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa announced that oil drilling has begun, with upcoming refinery developments and new exploration blocks. Uganda is opening its energy sector to private participation, especially in solar, geothermal, and nuclear energy.
“We are moving forward on the strength of a regulatory framework that is among the best in Africa,” she said.
In the agriculture sector, Uganda highlighted valuable products like vanilla, coffee, cocoa, bananas, and palm oil, making it a strong trade partner for Malaysia’s agribusinesses.
Datuk Irwin Cheong, Co-founder of the World-One Business Federation and the leader of the forum’s organization, ended the dinner reception with a note of thanks:
“This forum and expo is a celebration—not just of shared opportunity, but of shared purpose. We hope the conversations started here will continue, deepen, and take root in tangible collaboration.”
The two-day event included G2G and B2B sessions, featuring meetings with Deputy Minister of MITI Liew Chin Tong and MIDA representatives, along with industry players from both nations.
Topics covered included logistics and connectivity improvements, such as new direct flight routes.
The Uganda Pearl of Africa Business Forum and Expo 2025 has become a key platform for strengthening bilateral collaboration and exploring East Africa’s potential.