Uganda lists investment opportunities for Saudi investors
“I have already briefed the Minister of ICT, and we shall continue discussions before formally engaging you on the proposed data centre project. Saudi Arabia’s growing investments in artificial intelligence and data infrastructure present opportunities for collaboration."
In a meeting this week with the Saudi ambassador to Uganda, Mohammed Bin Khalil Faroudah, trade minister Sanjay Tanna assured the investors that Uganda is open for business and ready to work with Saudi investors to unlock the country’s vast economic potential.
Uganda's trade ministry has outlined investment areas that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia should take advantage of, as part of the country’s renewed efforts to restore trade partnerships between the two countries.
Agro-processing, tourism, mining, science and technology, and digital infrastructure are the areas of interest that Uganda is presenting to Saudi investors.
In a meeting this week with the Saudi ambassador to Uganda, Mohammed Bin Khalil Faroudah, trade minister Sanjay Tanna assured the investors that Uganda is open for business and ready to work with Saudi investors to unlock the country’s vast economic potential.
“We are here to work. Uganda is ready for business. The opportunities are immense, and we need your collaboration and support."
He said the Ugandan government is currently focusing on strengthening economic cooperation with the Gulf countries, particularly Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and others, with agro-processing identified as a key area for collaboration.
Uganda is adopting a demand-driven production model to ensure farmers produce according to market needs rather than speculative production, which often results in oversupply and low prices.
Currently, Uganda produces about 300,000 tonnes of surplus sugar annually, with capacity to increase production to 500,000 tonnes if additional export markets are secured.
Beyond agriculture, the trade minister invited Saudi investors to explore Uganda’s tourism sector, citing attractions such as Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, the source of the River Nile and the Rwenzori Mountains.
He also encouraged investment in mineral value addition, manufacturing and technology-driven industries, noting that Uganda seeks partnerships that will promote industrialisation rather than the export of raw materials.
In the digital economy, Tanna disclosed that discussions are underway with a Saudi company interested in establishing a data centre in Uganda in partnership with an Indian firm.
“I have already briefed the Minister of ICT, and we shall continue discussions before formally engaging you on the proposed data centre project. Saudi Arabia’s growing investments in artificial intelligence and data infrastructure present opportunities for collaboration."
He emphasised the operationalisation of the Saudi-Uganda Joint Technical Committee for Trade Development that was established in 2025 to provide a structured platform for bilateral dialogue between the two countries, address trade barriers, and boost economic cooperation.
“We need to fast-track the implementation of the Joint Technical Committee. The officials and technical groups from both countries should meet together to discuss how to move this forward. I am more than willing,” said Faroudah.
The discussions also reflected Uganda's broader efforts to position itself as a preferred investment destination for Gulf countries by leveraging its agricultural potential, tourism attractions, mineral resources and growing digital economy while strengthening trade and economic cooperation with Saudi Arabia.
Uganda’s key exports to Saudi Arabia include coffee, agricultural products, and newly introduced shipments of chilled meat, alongside a major service export in migrant labour.
The country has a persistent trade deficit with Saudi Arabia, importing more goods and services than she exports in bilateral commerce.
Uganda's exports to Saudi Arabia are currently valued at $9.11 million, mainly consisting of coffee, agricultural products like tea and spices, chilled meat, alongside a major service export in migrant labour.
Uganda’s total imports from Saudi Arabia are currently valued at approximately $149.15 million, consisting primarily of plastics, fertilisers, and sugar, among others.