The Uganda Embassy in Tokyo strengthened trade ties with Japan at the first Uganda-Japan Trade and Investment Forum in Osaka.
Held under the theme “Boosting Trade and Investments between Uganda and Japan,” the forum aimed to position Uganda as a key African partner in Asia.
The event, which was hosted at at The Ritz-Carlton Osaka, brought together Japanese investors, Ugandan exporters, business leaders and government agencies. It followed a Uganda Product Exhibition held on June 18 at Lucua Business Center in Osaka, where Ugandan coffee, cocoa, dried fruits and cultural performances were showcased.
The forum was organised by the Embassy in partnership with the Ministry of Trade, the Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry, JETRO and Uganda’s national media. It forms part of Uganda’s wider engagement at Expo 2025 Osaka, where the country is promoting trade, tourism and investment.
Uganda’s Ambassador to Japan, Tophace Kaahwa, opened the forum by calling for deeper partnerships.
“This Forum is an extension of Uganda’s hand to Japan, an invitation to explore the immense potential our country offers in trade, manufacturing, agriculture, and innovation,” she said. “The Embassy is proud to lead this mission to deepen Uganda’s economic footprint in the region.”
Minister of State for Trade, Gen Mbasu Mbadi, officiated the event and thanked the Embassy for its efforts in attracting Japanese interest. He reaffirmed the Government’s support for Uganda’s trade diplomacy abroad.
A key outcome was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Uganda Free Zones and Export Promotions Authority and the Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Hez Kimoomi Alinda, Executive Director of UFZEPA, said, “This MoU is a testament to Uganda’s commitment, and we thank the Embassy for creating this bridge between our two nations.”
Delegates highlighted Uganda’s investment potential in agro-processing, renewable energy, tourism and manufacturing. Presentations also focused on Uganda’s access to regional markets through EAC, COMESA and AfCFTA.
The Uganda Investment Authority, Uganda Development Corporation, Uganda National Bureau of Standards and the Ministry of Agriculture held B2B meetings with Japanese counterparts.
The Embassy’s efforts at Expo 2025 continue to position Uganda as a ready and rewarding destination for trade and investment.
