TotalEnergies targets stronger Chinese trade links

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TotalEnergies Uganda moved to strengthen trade and supply chain linkages with Chinese enterprises through a high-level Chinese New Year gala, bringing together key industry players to advance partnerships in energy, manufacturing, and sustainability.

This occurred on Friday at Arirang Restaurant in Nakasero, Kampala, where TotalEnergies Uganda hosted an exclusive Chinese New Year Gala, bringing together members of the Chinese business community, partners, and stakeholders in a celebration that blended culture, commerce, and sustainability.

Speaking at the gala, Francis Sekate, the General Trade Manager at TotalEnergies Marketing Uganda, said the event reflects the company’s commitment to embracing diversity and fostering inclusive partnerships in an increasingly interconnected world.

“The diversity that we have in the world today is something we are privileged to celebrate. At TotalEnergies, we are a diverse organisation, and we are happy to celebrate this diversity with the Chinese community,” Sekate said.

He noted that the celebration, which featured multilingual engagements, Chinese cuisine, and cultural showcases, highlighted the company’s recognition of the global nature of its partnerships.

Sekate further noted, “We have cultivated a strong sustainability culture, from caring for communities to ensuring environmental protection. Our ambition is to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, and we are working closely with our clients to realise this goal.”

L-R, Joseph Mawi, Total Energies Finance manager, Peter Agaba, Marketing Executive Acacia Foundation Ltd, Phillip Niwarabashi, head of Sales/Marketing Acacia Foundation Ltd, Fred Sekate Total Energies trade Manager. (Photo by Edward Luyimbazi)

On behalf of the company’s Managing Director, Joseph Wechuli, the Finance Manager at TotalEnergies Marketing Uganda noted, “We are deeply privileged to mark this significant cultural occasion with our esteemed partners, colleagues, and friends. Traditions have the power to unite us, strengthen partnerships, and inspire new beginnings”

Wechuli conveyed appreciation to the Chinese business community and other stakeholders for their continued trust and collaboration with TotalEnergies. “Over the past year, our collaborations have grown stronger. We have built more resilient operations together while upholding the values that define our partnerships,” he said.

He further stressed that sustainability remains central to the company’s operations and partnerships.

“As we strengthen our partnerships, we encourage all stakeholders to ensure that what we do is sustainable and mindful of our environment,” he added.

Looking ahead, Wechuli reaffirmed the company’s commitment to deepening collaboration with its partners to drive innovation, enhance operations, and contribute to shared prosperity. “We remain fully committed to working hand-in-hand with our partners to harness innovation, strengthen our operations, and contribute to the growth of our organisations and nations,” he said.

Phillip Ntwarabashu, the Head of Sales and Marketing at Acacia Foundation Ltd, a Chinese-owned recycling company, said TotalEnergies remains a critical partner in supporting their day-to-day operations.

“We are happy to celebrate with TotalEnergies, who are a key supplier of the fuel we use in our daily operations, from running machines to transporting plastic waste across the country,” Ntwarabashu said.

Operating plants in Matugga, the company not only contributes to industrial production but also plays a significant role in environmental conservation.

“By collecting and recycling plastic waste, we are helping to protect the environment and make Uganda a better place to live in,” Ntwarabashu noted. He added that the company employs over 1,400 workers directly, of which more than 70% are women, and supports the livelihoods of nearly 4,000 people involved in plastic collection nationwide.

Ntwarabashu called for deeper collaboration between TotalEnergies and its partners, beyond traditional supplier relationships. “We would like to see a stronger partnership where we can work together on bigger projects, beyond just fuel supply,” he said.

During the event, Majorie Nankinga, Lubricants Engineer at TotalEnergies Marketing Uganda, encouraged guests to embrace the cultural significance of the celebration and use the opportunity to learn more about Chinese traditions.

“Tonight, we celebrate culture and tradition. I encourage all of you to learn something about Chinese culture and share that experience beyond this event,” she said.