Uganda – DRC Investment and Trade Summit 2026 Preparations Kick Off

By Shamim Saad

May 1, 2026

The Uganda Investment Authority (UIA), in collaboration with Operation Wealth Creation (OWC), key government agencies, and private sector players, has commenced preparations for the Uganda – DRC Investment and Trade Summit 2026.

The high-level summit, tentatively scheduled for May 29, 2026, aims to deepen economic cooperation between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with initial engagements expected to focus on key border regions such as Arua – Bunia and Kasese – Beni.

The summit will bring together government leaders, private sector actors, academia, and cultural and religious institutions to unlock investment opportunities, promote trade, and strengthen bilateral relations.

Speaking during a preparatory meeting held at UIA offices on April 29, UIA Director General Robert Mukiza said the summit will serve as a platform to transition cross-border trade from informal to structured systems while catalyzing investment-led growth.

“We want to expand market access for Ugandan goods and services, promote formalized cross-border trade, improve efficiency and revenue collection, and enhance business predictability,” he said.

UIA’s Director General Robert Mukiza spekaing during a preparatory meeting of Uganda-DRC Investment and Trade summit.

Mukiza added that the summit will position Uganda as a strategic trade and investment hub for accessing the DRC market, while facilitating business-to-business engagements, joint ventures, and trade deals.

As of January 2026, the DRC is Uganda’s leading export destination in Africa, with a trade surplus of approximately USD 583 million. However, Uganda’s market share in the DRC remains relatively low – estimated at about 3.1% – highlighting significant untapped potential in sectors such as Manufacturing, Agro-processing, and Services.

Director of Investments at OWC, Emmanuel Ewaku Allio, noted that the DRC presents opportunities beyond minerals, particularly in agriculture, Agro-processing, manufacturing, and trade logistics.

Meanwhile, National Planning Authority Executive Director Joseph Muvawala emphasized the need for a comprehensive market analysis to identify priority sectors, value chains, and credible private sector partners.

“I want to highlight the importance of expanding the presence of Ugandan financial institutions in the DRC to improve access to trade finance and financial services,” he alluded

The Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA), through its Executive Director Ezra Muhumuza Rubanda, called for better mapping of trade routes and dynamics, including informal cross-border trade and sourcing hubs like Kikuubo, as well as strengthening infrastructure, security, and government presence at border points.

Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA), Executive Director Ezra Muhumuza Rubanda speaking during the meeting.

“We must address persistent non-tariff barriers and act swiftly to remain competitive, especially as regional players such as Kenya expand their footprint in the DRC market,” he expounded.

The Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU) also pledged to mobilize the business community to take advantage of opportunities in the DRC, while calling for the removal of trade barriers to ease doing business.

Earlier this month, a Ugandan delegation led by Allio conducted an investment mission to the DRC from April 8 -11, 2026. The team engaged key institutions, including Agence Nationale pour la Promotion des Investissements (ANAPI) and Fédération des Entreprises du Congo (FEC), to align on preparations and implementation plans for the upcoming summit.

The summit is expected to accelerate trade, unlock investment flows, and strengthen economic ties between Uganda and the DRC.

ENDS