By UBC & David Rupiny
Uganda has stepped up efforts to expand its agricultural exports and attract investment following a high-level trade and investment forum held in Changsha, China.
The Embassy of the Republic of Uganda in Beijing hosted the Uganda–China (Changsha) Agricultural Trade and Investment Forum on March 19, 2026, under the theme “Cultivating Partnerships for Prosperity”.
The meeting drew government officials, investors, and business leaders from both countries, with a strong focus on unlocking opportunities in agriculture and agro-processing.
Speaking at the forum, Uganda’s Ambassador to China, Oliver Wonekha, pointed to fresh opportunities created by China’s zero-tariff policy on a range of African exports.
Ambassador Wonekha said the arrangement opens the door for Uganda to grow its footprint in the Chinese market, particularly by shifting from raw exports to higher-value agricultural products.
She said the Ugandan embassy in Beijing is committed to promoting Uganda-China relations, strengthening bilateral cooperation, and creating a bridge for investment, business and tourism.
The discussions centred on practical areas of cooperation, including agro-industrialisation, mechanization and technology transfer, cold chain logistics, tourism, mineral development, and agricultural innovation. Stakeholders also explored ways to accelerate joint ventures and technology transfer to strengthen Uganda’s production capacity.
A key highlight was renewed interest in flagship initiatives, such as the Uganda–Hunan Industrial Park, which is seen as a catalyst for processing, value addition, and export growth.
The Director of Uganda’s Investor One-Stop Centre, Justine Kasigwa Agaba, highlighted the country’s investment opportunities and invited Chinese investors to pursue them. Agaba said the Uganda Investment Authority, as a one-stop shop, will support them in setting up investments.
Officials say the forum aligns with Uganda’s broader development strategy, with clear targets to increase agricultural exports to China, attract long-term investment, and deepen institutional partnerships.
***
