Uganda has stepped up efforts to attract foreign investment and boost bilateral trade with Türkiye, following a high-level engagement between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce, one of the largest business associations in the world.
Led by Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Vincent Bagiire Waiswa, the Ugandan delegation met with Mr. Bahadır Yaşik, Executive Board Member of the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce (ICOC), to explore avenues for enhanced trade and investment cooperation.
The meeting, held in Istanbul and organized by Uganda’s Embassy in Ankara, was also attended by Uganda’s Ambassador to Türkiye, Amb. Nusura Tiperu, as well as senior officials from the Uganda Investment Authority and Uganda Tourism Board.
With Istanbul accounting for 30.4% of Türkiye’s GDP, hosting 60% of the country’s industrial production, and home to 820,000 registered businesses, Bagiire emphasized the city’s strategic importance in Uganda’s international economic outreach.
“Our engagement is aimed at promoting Uganda as a prime destination for investment. We offer a stable and secure environment, generous incentives, and access to regional and continental markets,” Bagiire told the Turkish business leaders.
He pitched investment opportunities in key sectors that align with Uganda’s tenfold growth strategy—agro-industrialization, tourism development, mineral beneficiation, and science, technology and innovation (ATMS)—and outlined the country’s investor-friendly legal and policy frameworks.
Addressing security concerns, Bagiire reassured Turkish stakeholders that Uganda remains one of the most stable countries in the region, often more secure than nations that issue travel advisories against it.
Mr. Yaşik welcomed Uganda’s initiative and acknowledged the cordial ties between the two countries. He expressed readiness to work with Uganda on areas of mutual interest, particularly in the ATMS sectors. He requested detailed documentation on bankable projects and pledged to organize a business mission to Uganda upon receiving the information.
The engagement marks a significant step in Uganda’s ongoing diplomatic and commercial charm offensive to position itself as a competitive investment destination within the African continent.
