South Africa-based Solar MD, a sustainable energy company, has said it will embark on exploring distribution partnerships with Uganda and other East African countries to create a more sustainable and equitable future.

The company, which manufactures lithium-ion batteries and designs hardware and software for energy management, made the announcement on Sunday, July 8, 2023, in Cape Town, South Africa.

This was during the Uganda Business Forum, which was jointly organised by the Uganda High Commission and Wesgro, the official tourism, trade and investment promotion agency for Cape Town and the Western Cape.

This forum, according to a statement issued by Uganda’s High Commission in Pretoria, brought together esteemed government officials from Uganda and businesses from Western Cape, all eager to explore potential trade opportunities.

“We are thrilled about the opportunities that lie ahead in Uganda and East Africa as we delve into distribution partnerships. We invite all stakeholders to join us on this journey as we collectively work towards creating a more sustainable and equitable future,” the company’s market development manager, Deandra Hickey, said.

Uganda’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Paul Amoru, told New Vision Online that Solar MD’s attendance at the forum proved instrumental as the company unveiled critical factors that position Uganda as a prime export region, ripe for investment.

“Their intended investment and distribution partnerships will pave the way for positive change. Through distribution partnerships and market entry in Uganda and East Africa, Solar MD is poised to make substantial contributions to the local energy industry, driving economic growth and fostering long-term sustainability,” he told New Vision on Monday.

Amoru, who received the Hickey-led Solar MD team at the forum, pledged to connect the company with key players in the region, including Uganda Batteries Ltd and Kiira Motors Corporation to strengthen trade relations.

“This will further strengthen trade relations between Uganda and South Africa. Together, we can create a brighter and more sustainable future for our region,” he said.

He lauded the event for aligning with the embassy’s drive for commercial and economic diplomacy and expressed eagerness for continued partnership.

Uganda’s agencies such as the Uganda Investment Authority, Uganda Revenue Authority, Uganda Export Promotion Board, Uganda Airlines and the Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development, actively participated, showcasing their commitment to foster trade and collaboration.

The highlight of this forum was the announcement of a major trade mission scheduled for September.

Wesgro and the Uganda High Commission in Pretoria will lead this mission, aiming to explore trade opportunities and forge stronger ties between businesses in the region.

Amoru said Solar MD is thrilled to participate in this mission and eagerly anticipates further collaborations in Uganda and East Africa.