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October 21.2025
2 Minutes Read

How Uganda and DRC's Business Forum Paves the Way for Economic Growth

Colorful abstract logo for Uganda DRC Business Forum.

Strengthening Economic Ties: Uganda and DRC's Historic Business Forum

The recent Business Connect Forum and Expo held in Butembo, DRC, marks a significant advance in the economic collaboration between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Organized by the Uganda Embassy in Kinshasa along with various public and private sector stakeholders, the forum aimed to enhance trade relations under the theme "Strengthening Business Linkages for Socio-Economic Transformation." This two-day event attracted over 50 Ugandan business enterprises eager to engage with their Congolese counterparts, showcasing a variety of products including agro-products, pharmaceuticals, and construction materials.

A Vital Gateway to Eastern DRC

Butembo, the second-largest city in North Kivu Province, serves as a strategic location for trade between Uganda and the DRC. With recent infrastructure investments, including key roads like Mpondwe/Kasindi-Beni and Beni-Butembo, the cost of doing business is expected to decrease significantly, facilitating smoother trade operations. Ambassador Farid M. Kaliisa emphasized that Uganda's geographical positioning makes it a natural trade gateway into eastern DRC, highlighting the need for increased commercial cooperation.

Boosting Trade and Economic Growth

Data from the Uganda Bureau of Statistics illustrates a flourishing trade relationship, with Uganda's exports to the DRC nearly doubling from $432.4 million in 2016/17 to an expected $2 billion in the coming years. This growth in trade is partly due to improvements in security, infrastructure, and the DRC’s accession to the East African Community. As both nations continue to address trade barriers and invest in infrastructure, the potential for economic partnership grows stronger.

The Role of Peace in Economic Development

Leaders at the forum articulated that sustainable peace and security are imperative for trade to thrive. The emphasis on a predictable and transparent business environment is echoed throughout the proceedings, as officials from both sides discuss the removal of non-tariff barriers that hamper trade. This sentiment is critical given the historical challenges both nations have faced in fostering their relationships.

Looking Forward: What Lies Ahead for Uganda and DRC?

The successful convening of the Business Connect Forum symbolizes a new era for trade in the region, promising increased cooperation that could lead to enhanced socio-economic transformations. With the ongoing support of international partners such as the European Union and initiatives aimed at peace-building through trade, the future appears promising. Enhanced cross-border trade not only serves as a pathway for economic growth but also acts as a foundation for peace in a historically turbulent region.

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