Uganda has stepped up efforts to expand its agricultural exports and attract investment following a high-level trade and investment forum held in Changsha, China.
The Embassy of the Republic of Uganda in Beijing hosted the Uganda–China (Changsha) Agricultural Trade and Investment Forum on March 19, 2026, under the theme “Cultivating Partnerships for Prosperity.” The meeting drew government officials, investors, and business leaders from both countries, with a strong focus on unlocking opportunities in agriculture and agro-processing.
Speaking at the forum, Uganda’s Ambassador to China, Oliver Wonekha, pointed to fresh opportunities created by China’s zero-tariff policy on a range of African exports. She said the arrangement opens the door for Uganda to grow its footprint in the Chinese market, particularly by shifting from raw exports to higher-value agricultural products.
The discussions centred on practical areas of cooperation including agro-industrialisation, mechanisation, cold chain logistics, tourism, mineral development, and agricultural innovation. Stakeholders also explored ways to accelerate joint ventures and technology transfer to strengthen Uganda’s production capacity.
A key highlight was renewed interest in flagship initiatives such as the Uganda–Hunan Industrial Park, seen as a catalyst for processing, value addition, and export growth.
Officials say the forum aligns with Uganda’s broader development strategy, with clear targets to increase agricultural exports to China, attract long-term investment, and deepen institutional partnerships.
