Uganda, Chinese province launch first agricultural trade, investment conference

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Uganda and China have partnered to launch the first Agricultural Trade and Investment Conference in Qingdao, Shandong Province.

The Embassy of Uganda in Beijing, China, in partnership with the Qingdao Municipal Foreign Affairs Office and the Qingdao Municipal Bureau of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, hosted the inaugural Uganda–Qingdao Agricultural Trade and Investment Conference in Qingdao City, Shandong Province.

The event, which took place on December 10, 2025, and was led by Ambassador Oliver Wonekha, brought together a high-level Ugandan delegation featuring officials from Uganda's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, agriculture, the Uganda Investment Authority (UIA), and private-sector representatives.



The delegation showcased Uganda’s stable investment climate, competitive incentives, and young, skilled labour force, positioning the country as a strategic gateway to the East African Community (EAC) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) markets.

(Courtesy)

Uganda showcases a strong value proposition

In her keynote address, Wonekha reaffirmed Uganda’s position as one of Africa’s most stable and promising destinations for investment.

Amb. Oliver Wonekha, Head of Mission, Beijing, China, giving her remarks at the Uganda - Qingdao First Agricultural Trade and Investment Conference in Qingdao, Shandong Province, China on December 10, 2025. (Courtesy)

“Uganda is prepared for transformative partnerships grounded in industrialisation, technology transfer, investment financing, and trade facilitation,” she said.

She highlighted Uganda’s youthful workforce, sustained political stability, expanding manufacturing sector and vast agricultural potential as unmatched advantages for investors seeking long-term opportunities in the region.

“Uganda presents exceptional opportunities in agricultural production, value addition, and manufacturing for both regional and continental markets. We are here to connect with partners who recognise Uganda’s long-term potential,” she added.

Qingdao: A natural partner in modern agriculture

Qingdao is widely recognised for its strengths in modern agriculture, agritech, aquaculture, and agro-processing—capabilities that closely align with Uganda’s national development priorities.

Cui Zuo, (Vice Chairman of the CPPCC Qingdao Municipal Committee, Chairman of the Qingdao Municipal Federation of Industry and Commerce, President of the Qingdao General Chamber of Commerce), giving his remarks at the Uganda - Qingdao First Agricultural Trade and Investment Conference in China Qingdao, Shandong Province December 10, 2025. (Courtesy)

Speaking on behalf of Qingdao authorities, Cui Zuo, vice-chairperson of the CPPCC Qingdao Municipal Committee, chairperson of the Qingdao Municipal Federation of Industry and Commerce, and President of the Qingdao General Chamber of Commerce, emphasised the strong complementarity between the two sides:

“Qingdao has developed advanced capabilities in modern agriculture, aquaculture, and agri-technology. We see Uganda as a natural partner for expanding agricultural cooperation and building mutually beneficial industrial value chains.”

Deeper partnership and investment

Addressing Chinese investors, Fred Kakooza, deputy director general, one-stop centre at the Uganda Investment Authority, underscored Uganda’s readiness to host large-scale agricultural and manufacturing investments.

“Uganda is one of Africa’s most promising investment destinations. With generous tax incentives, strong protections for foreign investors, and vast opportunities across agriculture, manufacturing, and agro-processing, we invite Chinese partners to establish manufacturing and processing hubs in Uganda for regional export.”

Conference objectives

The Uganda–Qingdao Agricultural Trade and Investment Conference aims to:  Promote bilateral trade and economic cooperation and attract Chinese investment into Uganda’s agriculture and agro-processing sectors.

Other objectives include facilitating technology transfer and capacity building, and establishing long-term agricultural value-chain partnerships.

The conference also aims to position Uganda as a manufacturing and export hub for African markets.