Uganda Seeks Bigger Trade Ties with China at Canton Fair

Uganda has strengthened its trade, investment, and diplomatic ties with Asia through its participation at the 139th China Import and Export Fair, commonly known as the Canton Fair.

The exhibition took place in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, from May 1 to May 5, 2026. The Canton Fair is one of the world’s largest trade exhibitions and attracts buyers, manufacturers, and investors from across the globe. Uganda used the platform to expand exports, attract foreign investment, and deepen economic cooperation with China.

Ugandan exhibitors included companies from the coffee, shea butter, and crafts sectors such as Seedstar Specialty Coffee, Elyon Organics, Senela Organics, RhinoSeeds Africa, and Megkari Coffee.

Kawuki Annet, a representative of Seedstar Specialty Coffee, said the exhibition increased global interest in Ugandan coffee.

“The world now knows Uganda coffee. There were visitors from all over the world and they were so excited about it. This has been an eye opener and has put Uganda on another level. Visitors from across the globe were smelling the coffee, tasting it, and wanting to learn more. It has truly opened the door to the global market. I will definitely come back,” she said.

Nanyombi Christian of Elyon Organics also welcomed the opportunity.

“We thank the Consulate General for giving us this opportunity. It has been an incredible experience and we will certainly be back,” she said.

The Ugandan delegation was led by Juju Nsababera, Uganda’s Consul General in Guangzhou. Other officials included Henry Mayega, Geoffrey Muheesi, and Joseph Kigozi.

Speaking on the sidelines of the fair, Nsababera stressed the importance of branding, packaging, and competitiveness in global trade.

“Participation in platforms like the Canton Fair demonstrates Uganda's readiness to engage the world not merely as a source of raw materials, but as a supplier of value-added, high-quality products. Branding, consistency, and compliance with international standards are essential to succeeding in today’s global marketplace,” she said.

She added that China’s population of more than 1.4 billion people presents a major opportunity for Ugandan exporters.

Uganda’s pavilion, positioned near one of the exhibition’s main entrances, attracted strong visitor traffic. Officials said several Ugandan products, including coffee, tea, shea butter products, and crafts, secured direct sales and confirmed orders within the opening days of the exhibition.

The exhibition also generated interest in Uganda’s tourism sector, with visitors seeking information about eco-tourism, cultural experiences, and leisure travel.

Uganda’s trade with China currently stands at about $1.46 billion annually. Uganda exports goods worth around $90 million to China, mainly coffee, timber, oil seeds, and minerals, while imports from China exceed $1.3 billion.

Officials said Uganda’s participation aligns with the government’s economic and commercial diplomacy agenda, which focuses on export promotion, industrialisation, and attracting foreign direct investment.

Nsababera expressed optimism that the engagements at the fair would lead to long-term trade partnerships, increased export earnings, and investment projects in Uganda.

“Uganda’s presence at the Canton Fair sends a clear message: we are open for business, ready to partner, and committed to deeper integration into global value chains,” she said.