The inaugural Uganda-France Investment, Tourism, and Trade Conference has kicked off at the Cercle D’Aumale in Paris. Organized by the Ugandan Embassy, the event aims to strengthen economic, trade, and tourism ties between Uganda and France and will run until February 20, 2025.
The conference focuses on attracting French investors to Uganda’s key sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, renewable energy, and ICT. It also highlights Uganda’s tourism potential, showcasing its wildlife, landscapes, and eco-tourism opportunities.
Ugandan officials, including Ambassador Doreen Ruth Amule, Permanent Secretary Vincent Bagiire, and Treasury Secretary Ramathan Ggoobi, attended the event. Ambassador Amule emphasized the importance of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to drive sustainable growth and infrastructure development.
Bagiire highlighted Uganda’s strategic location and favorable business environment, inviting investors to tap into the East African Community (EAC) and Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) markets. He also noted that French companies are significant contributors to Uganda’s economy, particularly in the oil and gas sector.
Ggoobi discussed Uganda’s ten-fold growth strategy, aiming to expand the economy to $500 billion by 2040, and showcased Uganda’s recent business reforms that make it an attractive destination for foreign investment.
Tourism Board CEO Dr. Lilly Ajarova invited filmmakers from France, Spain, and Portugal to explore Uganda as a film location due to its scenic landscapes and low production costs.
