Ugandan govt, China EXIM Bank to boost industrial parks support

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The Ugandan government and China EXIM Bank have agreed to scale up support for industrial parks, with a focus on improving land access, utilities, and logistics infrastructure to enhance productivity and attract large-scale investments.

This was during a meeting finance minister Matia Kasaija held on Thursday (March 19) with a high-level delegation from the Export-Import Bank of China (China EXIM Bank), led by its vice president, Dr Yang Dongning.

The Ugandan government aims at having 22 industrial parks across the country to facilitate industrial growth and output.

It currently owns eight industrial parks, with three operating under a private-public partnership.

A statement released by the Ministry of Finance also said China EXIM Bank reaffirmed its strong commitment to supporting Uganda’s development priorities and growth ambition through a diversified and modern financing framework.

This includes: trade finance to support Ugandan importers and exporters, blended financing models combining loans and equity, equity investments and strategic partnerships, syndicated financing arrangements and a broader portfolio of tailored financial products.

The delegation is in the country to strengthen its partnership with the government for accelerating Uganda’s industrialisation and long-term economic transformation.

Kasaija, who was flanked by the Finance Ministry Permanent Secretary Dr Ramadhan Ggoobi, on behalf of the Government of Uganda extended heartfelt gratitude to the People’s Republic of China for the long-lasting technical and financial support in various sectors ranging from transport, energy and health, among others.

He said Uganda’s next phase of growth will be anchored on ATMS – particularly agro-industrialisation, export expansion, and value addition in key sectors such as coffee, cotton, tea, and other agricultural products, as well as minerals including oil and gas, tourism, science, technology and innovation.

He also said Uganda is positioning itself to fully leverage China’s zero-tariff policy and access to global markets by shifting away from the export of raw materials towards processing, manufacturing, and higher-value exports.

The minister emphasised the importance of flexible and innovative financing structures to support large-scale investments and accelerate implementation of priority projects.

Both sides further underscored the need to strengthen technical and vocational education and training to ensure a skilled workforce capable of supporting industrial expansion and meeting investor requirements.

In a significant step to boost investment flows, Dongning committed to support the organisation of a “Uganda Day” in China, which will serve as a dedicated platform to mobilise potential investors, showcase Uganda’s opportunities, and connect Ugandan enterprises with Chinese manufacturers and financiers.

This initiative will anchor a broader push to strengthen economic and commercial diplomacy, deepen private sector linkages, and position Uganda as a preferred investment destination in Africa.