Tanzania and Uganda strengthen industrial ties through 2025 trade mission

Kampala, Uganda. The Uganda-Tanzania Trade Mission 2025 was officially launched this week in Kampala, marking a defining step in strengthening economic and diplomatic relations between Uganda and Tanzania.

High Commissioner of Uganda to Tanzania, Col. (Rtd.) Fred Mwesigye presided over the event, hailing the mission as a platform to deepen regional integration, drive prosperity, and support sustainable development across the East African Community (EAC).

“This mission is not just about trade numbers,” said Mwesigye. “It’s about building a future of shared growth, removing barriers, and creating opportunities that benefit our people across borders.”

Mwesigye noted the substantial growth in bilateral trade, which surged from $1.36 billion in 2023 to $2.23 billion in 2024. Uganda, he said, continues to export high-demand goods such as cement, sugar, dairy products, and pharmaceuticals to Tanzania, while importing essential commodities like petroleum, machinery, and textiles.

“We aim to expand Uganda’s exports, strengthen our trade channels, and eliminate non-tariff barriers,” he said. “We also want to build lasting business partnerships, showcase investment opportunities—especially in agriculture and manufacturing—and raise awareness of EAC trade policies that can benefit all member states.”

Minister of Energy of Tanzania, Dr. Dotto Biteko, representing the High Commissioner of Tanzania to Uganda, praised the initiative and called for greater collaboration between the private sectors of both countries.

“Our countries share a long-standing friendship built on mutual respect and shared aspirations,” said Dr. Biteko. “This mission symbolizes our commitment to work together to unlock new opportunities for trade and investment.”

He highlighted key infrastructural achievements designed to ease regional trade.

“The Standard Gauge Railway now connects Dar es Salaam to Dodoma, and vessels like MV Umoja and MV Kazi Nda now serve Jinja and Kampala twice a week,” he said.

“MV Mwanza Hapa Kazi II is nearing completion at 96 percent, and ATCL now offers reliable connections between Dar, Zanzibar, Kilimanjaro, and Entebbe, including cargo services.”

He urged Ugandan stakeholders to make use of Tanzania’s growing network of ports and logistics facilities. “Tanzania stands ready as a gateway for Uganda’s trade with the rest of the world,” said Dr. Biteko.

Uganda’s State Minister for Trade, Gen. Wilson Mbadi, welcomed the Tanzanian delegation and highlighted the mission as a continuation of commitments made during the Uganda-Tanzania Business Forum held in Dar es Salaam in May 2024.

“This mission is a reflection of our resolve to remove obstacles to trade, encourage investments, and promote the free movement of goods, services, and capital,” said Gen. Mbadi. “We are putting words into action.”

The visiting delegation was given a firsthand look at Uganda’s industrial prowess through a tour of Liaoshen Industrial Park in Kapeeka, and other enterprises such as Sawa Ceramics, which showcased kitchenware and sanitary products.

At the Dried Candied Fruit Facility, they learned about value addition through the processing of mango, jackfruit, and pineapple. Goodwill Uganda Ltd demonstrated the scale of its tile manufacturing, relying on 90% local materials and employing over 1,000 Ugandans.

At the Copper Factory, the focus was on electric coil production for wiring, while Ola Technology impressed with its clean energy innovations, including solar-powered UPS battery solutions.

Delegates also explored Uganda’s growing capabilities in agro-processing, pharmaceuticals, and dairy. Grain Pulse exhibited its maize sourcing and aflatoxin screening processes, while also introducing its custom fertilizer formulations.

Quality Chemical Industries Ltd (QCIL) highlighted its production of WHO-standard ARVs and announced plans to expand into the Tanzanian market.

“We are not just supplying medicine,” said a QCIL representative. “We’re investing in the health of East Africa.”

At Pearl Dairy (Lato Milk), executives shared their 10-year roadmap to fight malnutrition and grow their impact.

“We aim to empower farmers and ensure every child has access to nutritious milk,” said a company spokesperson.

The Uganda-Tanzania Trade Mission 2025 sent a strong message: both nations are committed to building an inclusive, dynamic, and integrated regional economy through collaboration, innovation, and mutual trust.