The investment state minister, Evelyn Anite, lauded Equity Group for gathering over 50 investors from 17 countries to deepen investment in the region. The week-long mission aimed to promote cross-border trade and investment and strengthen regional value chains under the group’s Africa Recovery and Resilience Plan (ARRP).
Speaking Friday at the close of a dialogue in Kampala, Anite highlighted that the high-impact trade and investment mission positions Uganda as a promising destination with numerous opportunities in the region’s rapidly growing markets.
“Equity bank’s commitment to wealth creation and prosperity for Africans through access to affordable credit aligns with the visionary leadership of President Museveni. Together, we are building a foundation for inclusive economic growth across the continent,” Anite said.
She added, “Investors are not just stakeholders, they are our partners in national development. We go the extra mile to support them, aligning with the President’s vision.”
In Uganda, delegates explored opportunities in value addition, manufacturing and technology, with a particular focus on sectors such as dairy processing, pharmaceuticals, textiles, mining, and agri-tech. Investors also participated in site visits and engaged with policymakers and business leaders.
James Mwangi, Equity Group’s managing director stated the mission was a strategic effort to “unlock the enormous potential that exists in Tanzania and Uganda by connecting global capital to local opportunities.” He added that the goal is to catalyze investment and trade that creates jobs, enhances value chains, and drives inclusive economic growth.
Mwangi noted that these missions have helped catalyze billions in investment, facilitate new business partnerships, and support regional trade integration, aiding the Africa Free Continental Trade Area Agreement. As part of its ARRP, Equity Group is redirecting liquidity equivalent to 2% of the region’s GDP toward the private sector, targeting critical value chains in agriculture, manufacturing, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and infrastructure. The plan aims to reach 100 million people and businesses by 2030 and create 50 million jobs across the continent.
Amos Wekesa, CEO of Great Lakes Safaris, highlighted Uganda’s largely untapped tourism potential. He emphasized that while tourism in Uganda remains underappreciated, it holds immense investment prospects.
“The Government has now earmarked significant resources to promote the tourism sector, marking a major step forward. For investors, this is the right moment to tap into tourism,” Wekesa said. He added that Uganda is home to approximately 54% of the world’s mountain gorillas and enjoys favorable weather.
Uganda is emerging as a dynamic investment destination due to its stable economy, abundant resources, and investor-friendly reforms. This trade mission builds on the legacy of previous successful Equity-led trade and investment missions across Africa. The Tanzania-Uganda Trade Mission continues the group’s commitment to transforming lives and livelihoods by connecting people, capital and opportunity across Africa.
