Businessmen
in the United Arab Emirates have been keeping a keen eye
on Uganda's economic performance as the country continues
to develop into a rapidly emerging market for consumer
and capital goods from the Middle East. As the next century
approaches there is a mood of optimism and a belief that
Uganda will once again emerge as the 'Pearl of Africa'
- the name given to it by the late Sir Winston Churchill
in 1908.
Traders
and business people in the United Arab Emirates realise
the great potential the country holds as an up-and-coming
market and are now beginning to penetrate the Ugandan
market in a big way. A large contingent of UAE companies
will be participating in the forthcoming Uganda International Trade Fair which is being
organised in Kampala. This trade
fair is sure to provide a further boost in UAE-Uganda
trade ties as it will provide UAE-based companies an opportunity
to sell directly into the Ugandan market instead of routing
their merchandise through Kenya.
Dubai's re-exports to Uganda have more than doubled in
the last 5 years due to increased trade between the two
countries. As more and more Ugandans realise the benefits
and convenience of doing business with Dubai, these figures
are sure to rise in the coming years. Already Dubai has
emerged as a favourite shopping destination for the people
of Uganda. "The availability of quality goods at
competitive prices is attracting a growing number of Ugandans
to Dubai," says Zaake Wanume Kibedi, Ambassador of Uganda to the United Arab
Emirates.
Uganda's economic performance in the last few years has generated a lot of interest in business circles around the world. Economists believe that the country has an economy with great potential as it is endowed with significant natural resources, including amply fertile land, regular rainfall, rich mineral deposits and a skilled labour force. Little wonder then that economic forecasts for Uganda predict that the country is now poised for rapid economic growth and development.
Uganda: The New Business Destination in East Africa
The Ugandan economy has been registering an unprecedented aveareg GDP growth rate of over 5 per cent in the last 5 years, making it one of the fastest growing economies in East Africa. Inflation, which had been rising at an alarming pace in the early 80's has also dropped drastically to less than 30%. Add to this the political stability and liberal economic policies of the current government and you’ll know why Uganda has suddenly become the centre of attraction in the East African region.
Political
stability has been the cornerstone of economic success
in Uganda. Since President Museveni came to power in 1986
there has been peace in most parts of the country. Recent
presidential elections have further boosted the country’s
image and provided a platform for further economic development.
In the last 10 years Uganda has made an impressive recovery
from its turbulent past. Today, the country's economy
is on the upswing following the implementation of a structural
adjustment programme recommended by the International
Monetary Fund (IMF): in the last year the economy grew
by over seven per cent. Though the economy is still based
on agriculture, with coffee accounting for up to 80 per
cent of export earnings, yet the manufacturing sector
has also gained in prominence. New industries have recently
been set up for processing of vanilla, fish fillets and
roses for export. Although Uganda’s major export
markets are Europe and the USA, the Middle East is fast
emerging as a big market for Uganda. Uganda’s exports
to the Middle East constitute cotton, tea, tobacco hides,
skins, vegetables, fruits, and fish.
Uganda's relations to the Arab world go back to the 1830s
when Arab traders moved inland from their enclaves along
the Indian Ocean coast of East Africa and reached the
interior of Uganda. Since then, Uganda has had cordial
relations with the Arab world. As member of the Organisation
of Islamic Countries (OIC), Uganda is considered as an
ally and friend by all Arab countries.
Tourism, which used to be Uganda's fourth largest source
of foreign exchange until the troubles of the 1970s, is
another area of potential growth in UAE-Uganda relations.
Uganda is home to about two-thirds of the rare mountain
gorillas which still live in the wild. This and other
opportunities to view primates such as man's closest relative,
the chimpanzee, are attracting a growing number of visitors
from all over the world. A concerted international marketing
campaign by the Uganda Tourist Board (UTB) will go a long
way in luring more visitors from the region. Till now,
the private sector has taken the initiative to promote
Uganda's tourist attractions abroad.
Business in Uganda
Today, Uganda is passing through a
transitional phase
in its economic evolution. Until 1972, Asians, who constituted
the largest non-indigenous ethnic group in Uganda, were
the main players in the financial markets of the country.
In that year, the Idi Amin regime expelled 50,000 Asians,
who had been engaged in trade, industry, and various professions.
In the years since Amin’s overthrow in 1979, the
country began a programme of economic recovery that received
considerable foreign assistance.
Uganda today is a country at peace. It boasts the fastest-growing economy in East Africa, and is working to better the lives of it's people by moving towards a representative government and laying the groundwork to establish a viable commercial market. Foreign investments has flowed into the country.
The inflation rate has dropped to under 10 per cent from a high of 250 per cent in 1987. Reform programs have slashed government employment by half, and reduced ministries by a third and the armed forces by 30 per cent.
As
the relationship between the international business community
and Uganda develops in scope and stature, plenty of opportunities
are becoming available to Ugandan exporters as well as
foreign investors, entrepreneurs and holiday travellers.
Given such a positive climate, the joint efforts of the
Ugandan government and private sector organisations to
create an ever-greater economic bond are also expected
to gain momentum in the coming years.
Kampala
CITY
ON THE MOVE
Kampala, the
capital city of Uganda is spread over ten
hills and derives its name from Kasozi k'empala, "the
hill of antelopes". The origins of the city go back
to 1891 when the Kabaka (king) of Buganda had his court
on Mengo hill. It grew to municipal status in 1950 and
became a city in 1962. Today, as you stand on the hills,
the city provides magnificent ever green view gently disrupted
by red-tiled villas, green iron-roofed bungalows, as well
as taller modern city profiles that give way to attractive
views of the surrounding countryside and nearby Lake Victoria.
The city has retained its traditional charm, and remains
the greenest in Africa. Kampala is the heart of Uganda,
the center of commercial life the seat of the government.
It is a vibrant modern metropolis adorned with gardens
and parks providing colourful oases for its citizens and
vistors alike. Hotel facilities with state-of-the-art
conference facilities, to offer accommodation for the
more budget-minded. The broad range of cultures in Uganda
is also reflected in the wide choice of restaurants in
the city, all featuring the wonderful produce of the country’s
fertile countryside and fish-filled lakes. The Serena Hotel, one of
the most reputed hotels in Kampala
is recommended for a comfortable and pleasant stay in
Uganda. The hotel combines African surroundings and aura
with modern amenities and world-class facilities to provide
a unique African experience. Sheraton Kampala is another
good hotel for those looking for world-class amenities.
Our recommendations - Well, Serena Hotel...
undoubtedly!
Business
Advise
HOW
TO PROMOTE YOUR PRODUCTS IN UGANDA
There are a few easy ways to make your presence felt in the markets of Uganda and neighbouring countries like Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda and of course the huge market of the Democatic Republic of Congo (formerly known as Zaire).
The first and foremost, and by far the most effective, is to establish direct contacts with your business counterparts in these regions by haveing a Paid Company Listing on renowned B2B African portals like the Africa Busisness Pages. A listing under your relavant business category can yield a good number of business leads for your company and help you find potential buyers in the African markets.
Digital Marketing in Africa
You can also subscribe to the dedicated Lead Generation
Service offered by Africa Business Pages which guarantees
you a decent number of business inquiries from African buyers everyday. By
backing its huge database of companies in Africa with some unique and effective
digital marketing techniques, the African Business Pages has been generating
business leads from Africa for over 25 years. The
growing use and influence of the Internet can also be
harnessed to promote your business in the African markets.
Uganda today is a country at peace. It boasts the fastest-growing economy in East Africa, and is working to better the lives of it's people by moving towards a representative government and laying the groundwork to establish a viable commercial market. Foreign investments has flowed into the country.
The inflation rate has dropped to under 10 per cent from a high of 250 per cent in 1987. Reform programs have slashed government employment by half, and reduced ministries by a third and the armed forces by 30 per cent.
As
the relationship between the international business community
and Uganda develops in scope and stature, plenty of opportunities
are becoming available to Ugandan exporters as well as
foreign investors, entrepreneurs and holiday travellers.
Given such a positive climate, the joint efforts of the
Ugandan government and private sector organisations to
create an ever-greater economic bond are also expected
to gain momentum in the coming years.
Kampala
CITY
ON THE MOVE
Kampala, the
capital city of Uganda is spread over ten
hills and derives its name from Kasozi k'empala, "the
hill of antelopes". The origins of the city go back
to 1891 when the Kabaka (king) of Buganda had his court
on Mengo hill. It grew to municipal status in 1950 and
became a city in 1962. Today, as you stand on the hills,
the city provides magnificent ever green view gently disrupted
by red-tiled villas, green iron-roofed bungalows, as well
as taller modern city profiles that give way to attractive
views of the surrounding countryside and nearby Lake Victoria.
The city has retained its traditional charm, and remains
the greenest in Africa. Kampala is the heart of Uganda,
the center of commercial life the seat of the government.
It is a vibrant modern metropolis adorned with gardens
and parks providing colourful oases for its citizens and
vistors alike. Hotel facilities with state-of-the-art
conference facilities, to offer accommodation for the
more budget-minded. The broad range of cultures in Uganda
is also reflected in the wide choice of restaurants in
the city, all featuring the wonderful produce of the country’s
fertile countryside and fish-filled lakes. The Serena Hotel, one of
the most reputed hotels in Kampala
is recommended for a comfortable and pleasant stay in
Uganda. The hotel combines African surroundings and aura
with modern amenities and world-class facilities to provide
a unique African experience. Sheraton Kampala is another
good hotel for those looking for world-class amenities.
Our recommendations - Well, Serena Hotel...
undoubtedly!
Business
Advise
HOW
TO PROMOTE YOUR PRODUCTS IN UGANDA
There are a few easy ways to make your presence felt in the markets of Uganda and neighbouring countries like Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda and of course the huge market of the Democatic Republic of Congo (formerly known as Zaire).
The first and foremost, and by far the most effective, is to establish direct contacts with your business counterparts in these regions by haveing a Paid Company Listing on renowned B2B African portals like the Africa Busisness Pages. A listing under your relavant business category can yield a good number of business leads for your company and help you find potential buyers in the African markets.
Digital Marketing in Africa
You can also subscribe to the dedicated Lead Generation
Service offered by Africa Business Pages which guarantees
you a decent number of business inquiries from African buyers everyday. By
backing its huge database of companies in Africa with some unique and effective
digital marketing techniques, the African Business Pages has been generating
business leads from Africa for over 25 years. The
growing use and influence of the Internet can also be
harnessed to promote your business in the African markets.
Uganda Business Directory
In an effort to connect international suppliers with potential
busines partners and importers in Uganda, the Africa Business Pages has compiled a
special Uganda Business Directory which lists all major
companies and importers in Uganda. This unique database lists importers of in all major
cities like Kampala and Entebbe and has served as a ready-reference guide for those
looking to export to Uganda. The Uganda Business Directory is now
available as an instant download in Excel format. (Download link available HERE). The directory promotes direct B2B contacts between
international suppliers and Ugandan importers, traders, wholesalers and distributors.
