Türkiye textile giant eyes Uganda in major African expansion drive
The company, which supplies institutional and defence textiles in more than 60 countries, will send a delegation led by Chief Executive Officer Eray Yükseloğlu to Uganda from July 21 to 25 as part of a trade mission coordinated by the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TİM).
Chief Executive Officer Eray Yükseloğlu. (Courtesy)
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Turkish manufacturer Raff Military Textile is considering Uganda as part of its next African investment drive, with company executives expected in Kampala next month for talks with local investors and government officials.
The company, which supplies institutional and defence textiles in more than 60 countries, will send a delegation led by Chief Executive Officer Eray Yükseloğlu to Uganda from July 21 to 25 as part of a trade mission coordinated by the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TİM).
The visit comes as Uganda steps up efforts to attract foreign investors willing to establish local production facilities rather than export finished products into the country.
Speaking after the reading of the 2026/27 national budget on Thursday, President Yoweri Museveni said Uganda would continue reducing the importation of goods that can be produced locally as part of the government's strategy to strengthen domestic manufacturing and create jobs.
For years, Uganda has sought investors capable of bringing technology, skills and capital into key sectors such as manufacturing, agro-processing and textiles. Government officials argue that increasing local production is critical for reducing the country's import bill and improving export earnings.
In a press statement, Yükseloğlu noted that expanding such a huge investment in Uganda will as well help the local manufacturers to grow.
Chief Executive Officer, Eray Yükseloğlu. (Courtesy)
The company CEO said that discussions in Kampala will focus on potential partnerships and investment opportunities, including the possibility of joint ventures with Ugandan businesses.
"We see Uganda as an important entry point into East Africa and a country with significant industrial potential," Yükseloğlu said ahead of the visit. Adding that “Our goal is to explore long-term partnerships that can support manufacturing growth while creating value for both Uganda and Türkiye."
The government says the unit was created to provide assurances to both local and foreign investors by protecting investments from bureaucratic delays, fraud and unlawful interference.
Analysts say Uganda's location at the heart of East Africa, and having maintained peace in the region combined with access to regional markets through the East African Community and the African Continental Free Trade Area, continues to make the country attractive to international manufacturers seeking an African production base.
Türkiye has steadily expanded its commercial footprint across Africa over the past decade, increasing trade, investment and diplomatic engagement with several countries on the continent.
If discussions during the Kampala visit next month result in concrete investments, Uganda could gain another manufacturing partner at a time when the government is prioritising industrial growth and seeking to replace imports with locally produced goods.