Uganda has taken a significant step toward accelerating its industrialisation agenda after government officials held high-level talks with a delegation from the Export-Import Bank of China (China EXIM Bank), culminating in a renewed strategic partnership aimed at boosting economic growth.
Finance Minister Matia Kasaija met the visiting delegation led by Vice President Dr. Yang Dongning, who is in the country to deepen cooperation and explore new financing opportunities aligned with Uganda’s long-term development goals.
According to the Ministry of Finance, the partnership is expected to support Uganda’s ambition of achieving rapid economic expansion by strengthening investment in key sectors, particularly industrial development and infrastructure.
The discussions focused on scaling up support for industrial parks, improving access to land, utilities and logistics to attract large-scale investors.
Kasaija said Uganda’s next phase of growth will be anchored on agro-industrialisation, export expansion and value addition, particularly in sectors such as coffee, cotton, tea, oil and gas, tourism, and science and technology.
“We are positioning ourselves to move away from exporting raw materials to manufacturing and higher-value exports,” he noted, adding that the country intends to leverage China’s zero-tariff policy to access global markets more competitively.
China EXIM Bank reaffirmed its commitment to Uganda’s development priorities, outlining a range of financing options including trade finance, blended financing models, equity investments and syndicated funding arrangements to support major projects.
In a move aimed at attracting more investment, the bank also committed to support the organisation of a “Uganda Day” in China — an initiative expected to showcase Uganda’s investment opportunities and connect local enterprises with Chinese investors and manufacturers.
Government officials say the strengthened partnership will also emphasise skills development, with both sides highlighting the need to boost technical and vocational training to ensure a workforce capable of supporting industrial expansion.
Uganda currently plans to expand its network of industrial parks to drive production and exports, a strategy officials believe will be central to transforming the country into a competitive manufacturing hub in the region.
The latest engagement underscores the growing economic ties between Uganda and China, with authorities expressing optimism that the partnership will unlock new investment flows and accelerate the country’s long-term economic transformation.
