Stephen Asiimwe, Executive Director of Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU), said that economic relations between the UAE and Uganda have witnessed significant growth over the past five years, with the UAE now ranking among the top exporters to the Ugandan market.

In statements to the Emirates News Agency (WAM) on the sidelines of the AIM Congress in Abu Dhabi, Asiimwe noted that more than 100,000 Ugandans reside in the UAE, many of whom have established businesses in the country. These ventures are helping to expand their commercial reach from the UAE to the Middle East and beyond. He also highlighted the daily flights between the two countries, which play a key role in boosting trade, investment, and business connectivity.

Speaking on innovation, Asiimwe pointed out that Uganda has a large youth population, with individuals under the age of 35 making up nearly 75% of the total population. This presents a highly capable human resource base that UAE companies can engage with to develop sectors such as technology and entrepreneurship.

He also emphasised the country's robust educational infrastructure, which includes over 60 universities and 300 higher education institutions, and the growing number of startups.

The Executive Director of PSFU indicated that Uganda offers a stable and secure investment environment, with a stable currency and efficient financial system. Strategically located within the East African Community, which boasts a population of 400 million, Uganda serves as an ideal gateway for UAE investments into Africa. It is also a leading agricultural producer, known for its organic products in dairy, meat, poultry, and floriculture, positioning it as a strategic partner for the UAE in enhancing regional food security, especially given the UAE’s advanced logistics and transportation infrastructure.