Uganda leveraged its presence in Addis Ababa, the African Union headquarters city, to court international investment, hosting a major exhibition on Thursday aimed at attracting capital to key economic sectors.
Held at the Hilton Hotel to mark Uganda’s 63rd independence anniversary, the event was organized by the Uganda Embassy and drew hundreds of diplomatic officials, business leaders, and dignitaries. The agenda featured presentations from the Uganda Investment Authority and the Uganda Tourism Board, alongside a cultural showcase.
Addis Ababa is a strategic venue for such initiatives, given its status as the continent’s diplomatic and political hub, hosting most UN member state missions and the African Union. This concentration of high-level officials and international organizations creates an ideal platform for business engagement and tourism promotion.
Ambassador Rebecca Amuge Otengo, Uganda’s permanent representative to the African Union and ambassador to Ethiopia, highlighted the country’s transformation into an “island of peace and stability” after a history of internal conflict.
She also emphasized Uganda’s role in regional stability, noting its hosting of more than 1.6 million refugees and linking this to its own historical experiences of citizen displacement during the 1970s and 1980s.
Ambassador Otengo urged that Uganda-Ethiopia bilateral relations be leveraged to enhance mutually beneficial economic activities. Ethiopia, with a population exceeding 120 million, a growing middle class, and advanced leather and textile industries, was identified as a key source market for tourists and trade. The Ugandan community in Ethiopia includes hundreds of expatriates working across the AU system.
Ethiopian officials supported the call for closer economic collaboration. Ambassador Zerehun Abebe, director of African affairs in Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, praised Uganda’s peace efforts and highlighted the importance of tapping into mutual opportunities.
The exhibition showcased investment prospects in tourism, agro-processing, energy, manufacturing, and services. Leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area, Uganda aims to export agricultural products, textiles, and educational services to Ethiopia’s large market.
Officials also highlighted the four daily direct flights between Kampala and Addis Ababa as a key enabler for trade and tourism collaboration, promoting complementary multi-country travel itineraries for tour operators.
