President Yoweri Museveni has called on Italian investors to forge partnerships with Uganda in key sectors including coffee processing, mineral beneficiation, electric vehicle battery manufacturing and technology transfer. The President made the appeal during a meeting with a delegation of Italian investors at State House in Entebbe on Saturday, according to a statement from the Presidential Press Unit.
Museveni argued that Uganda is eager to attract investments that generate employment and allow the country to capture more value from its natural resources rather than exporting them in raw form.
A Shift Away from Raw Exports
The President told the visiting delegation that both Africa and Europe stand to gain from stronger economic ties, but he challenged European investors to move beyond the traditional export of unprocessed materials and instead support the growth of industries on the continent.
His message reflects a long-standing push by Uganda to shift its economy toward value addition, particularly in agriculture and mining, where the country has historically shipped out commodities with little processing.
The meeting was attended by Prime Minister Robina Nabbanja and several cabinet ministers, underscoring the government's focus on securing foreign direct investment to support its industrialisation agenda.
Development Cooperation Agreement Signed
On the sidelines of the engagement, Uganda and Italy signed a Development Cooperation Agreement. The document was signed by Ambassador Riccardo Guariglia, Secretary General of Italy's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Finance Minister Henry Musasizi.
The agreement is expected to strengthen bilateral ties and open the door to further collaboration in areas of mutual interest, including trade and industrial development.
The investors' visit signals growing interest from European businesses in East Africa's emerging manufacturing sector, particularly as global demand for electric vehicle components and processed minerals continues to rise.
What the Partnership Could Mean
- Coffee processing: Uganda is one of Africa's leading coffee producers, and processing locally could significantly raise export earnings.
- Mineral beneficiation: Refining minerals domestically would create jobs and reduce reliance on raw exports.
- Electric vehicle batteries: Uganda holds deposits of minerals used in battery production, positioning it for the growing global market.
- Technology transfer: Italian expertise could help build local capacity and skills.
The government has repeatedly emphasised that job creation for Uganda's young population is central to its investment strategy. Whether Saturday's talks translate into concrete projects will depend on follow-up engagements between the two sides.
