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Economy - 8 May 2026

Uganda Courts Chinese Capital as Anite Hosts High-Level Investor Delegation

By Jean-Marc Okito3 min readFrançais

Kampala, April 29, 2026 - Uganda has stepped up efforts to attract foreign direct investment, with government officials intensifying engagement with Chinese investors as part of a broader industrialisation strategy.

State Minister for Privatization and Investment Evelyn Anite received a delegation of Chinese investors led by Wendi Shen, President of the Henan Chamber of Commerce, in discussions centred on expanding investment into key sectors of the Ugandan economy.

The visiting delegation is assessing opportunities aligned with Uganda’s development priorities, particularly in manufacturing and value addition, as the country seeks to transition from exporting raw materials to building stronger domestic production capacity.

During the engagement, the minister urged investors to focus on export-oriented industries and strengthen local supply chains, noting that Uganda is actively positioning itself as a competitive manufacturing base in the region.

She highlighted improvements in investment fundamentals, including expanded transport infrastructure, increased electricity generation capacity, and sustained political stability, which government officials say continue to underpin investor confidence.

Uganda’s investment promotion strategy is currently concentrated on high-growth sectors such as minerals and mining, oil and gas, agro-industrialisation, and pharmaceuticals. Authorities argue that these sectors present opportunities not only for capital investment but also for technology transfer, industrial upgrading, and skills development.

The Chinese delegation expressed interest in the country’s economic prospects, with its leader describing Uganda as a promising destination for long-term investment. The group also signalled intentions to mobilise additional investors to explore potential partnerships across priority sectors.

Officials say the engagement reflects strengthening economic ties between Uganda and China, as Kampala positions itself as a regional industrial and investment hub. Increased foreign participation, particularly from China, is expected to support manufacturing growth, expand export capacity, and generate employment opportunities, especially for Uganda’s young and expanding workforce.

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