Following the successful inauguration of the Uganda-Tanzania Business Forum in Kampala in 2019, the second edition of the forum was held in Dar es Salaam on May 23-24, 2024. The event was convened to further strengthen the business and bilateral ties between Uganda and Tanzania.
The forum was spearheaded by the Uganda High Commission in Dar es Salaam and the Tanzania High Commission in Kampala. The participants expressed their appreciation for the concerted efforts of the High Commissions in organizing the forum and acknowledged the active participation of various stakeholders in ensuring its success.
The event was graced by the presence of the Prime Minister of Tanzania, Rt. Hon. Kassim Majaliwa Majaliwa, who emphasized the importance of facilitating the free movement of goods and services between the two nations and the broader East African region.
High-profile attendees included Hon. January Y. Makamba, Tanzania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Community, Hon. John Mulimba, Uganda’s Minister for Regional Cooperation, and Hon. Monica Musenero, Uganda’s Minister of Science and Technology. Also in attendance were senior government officials, private sector leaders, and business executives from both countries.
The forum highlighted the strong support from President Yoweri K. Museveni of Uganda and President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania in fostering bilateral relations rooted in historical ties and regional integration. The ministers and private sector representatives reiterated their commitment to overcoming business challenges and enhancing trade and investment.
Key resolutions from the forum included measures to remove trade barriers, promote regional market integration, and enhance value addition in various sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, energy, and mineral processing. Notably, the forum agreed to continue business engagements and joint ventures, with a planned trade and business mission from Tanzania to Uganda by the end of 2024.
The Uganda delegation praised Tanzania for its hospitality and both delegations committed to ongoing collaboration to benefit both nations and the region. The next Joint Permanent Commission meeting will be hosted in Tanzania, aiming to address economic issues through multi-sectoral involvement.
This forum marks a significant step towards deepening economic cooperation and fostering mutual growth between Uganda and Tanzania.
