The Uganda High Commission in Dar es Salaam, working with the Government of Malawi, has opened the second Uganda-Malawi Business Forum and Exhibition in Lilongwe. The forum, taking place at the President Hotel in Umodzi Park, runs until November 22, 2025, under the theme “Exploring and tapping into the rich opportunities for deeper collaboration.”
The meeting aims to identify practical areas for cooperation in trade, investment and sector partnerships between the two countries.
Uganda’s High Commissioner to Tanzania, Col. (Rtd.) Fred Mwesigye, who is also accredited to Malawi, said the forum gives businesses on both sides a chance to understand each other’s markets and explore opportunities in agriculture, manufacturing, tourism and technology. He noted that the discussions are intended to guide partnerships and potential joint ventures.
Mwesigye said Uganda continues to record steady economic growth supported by developments in oil and gas, agro-industrialisation, tourism recovery, ICT and energy. He added that Uganda’s location gives it access to larger regional markets through COMESA, the EAC and the African Continental Free Trade Area.
He said improved connectivity within the region, including recent discussions between Uganda and Malawi aviation authorities, is expected to ease travel for traders and investors. He noted that business delegations from Malawi will travel to Uganda in December for direct engagements with Ugandan companies.
The High Commissioner also recognised the role of the Malawi Investment and Trade Centre, the Malawi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Ugandan private-sector bodies in following up on commitments made at such forums.
Malawi’s Ministry of Industrialisation, Business, Trade and Tourism was represented by Ms. Sphiwe Msiska, who said the forum comes at a time when both countries are seeking to expand market access within COMESA and the EAC. She noted Malawi’s recent restructuring of the trade ministry to better support industrialisation and tourism.
Msiska outlined opportunities in agribusiness, agro-processing, mining, energy and tourism. She said Malawi has economic zones intended to attract manufacturing investment and highlighted growing interest in rare-earth minerals. She added that Lake Malawi, national parks and cultural sites offer room for joint tourism development.
She said Malawi maintains a stable political and economic environment and offers investment incentives in priority sectors, including tax holidays and duty-free access to regional markets through SADC and COMESA. She encouraged Ugandan businesses to engage with the Malawi Investment and Trade Centre for guidance.
The forum also aligns with Uganda’s efforts to grow exports, attract foreign direct investment and increase visibility for Ugandan products in new markets. The programme includes presentations from the Uganda Investment Authority, Uganda Manufacturers Association, Uganda Chamber of Energy and Minerals, Uganda Airlines and Malawi’s MITC, as well as business-to-business and government meetings aimed at forming partnerships.
