Uganda Opens Global Trade Gateway as PACEID Launches 2026 International Buyers’ Week

Uganda has launched a major new push to expand its footprint in global markets after the Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development (PACEID) unveiled the Uganda Connect International Buyers’ Week (UCIBW) 2026, a trade platform designed to connect local exporters with international buyers, investors and strategic partners.

The announcement was made on Wednesday during a press briefing at the Sheraton Kampala Hotel, officially setting the stage for the second edition of Uganda’s flagship international trade promotion programme, scheduled for November 9–15, 2026 at the Speke Resort Convention Centre, Munyonyo.

Held under the theme “MEET. CONNECT. TRADE.”, the week-long event will bring together verified global buyers, exporters, investors, trade organisations and development partners for high-level business engagements aimed at converting Uganda’s production capacity into export opportunities.

The programme will feature business-to-business meetings, investment roundtables, sector-focused deal rooms, factory visits, product exhibitions and tourism experiences intended to showcase Uganda’s commercial potential.

PACEID Chairman Odrek Rwabwogo said the launch represents a strategic shift in Uganda’s trade approach — moving beyond increasing production volumes towards building strong markets for locally made products.

“The prosperity of any nation begins with markets,” Rwabwogo said, emphasising that Uganda’s next phase of economic growth depends on creating sustainable demand for its goods and services.

He added that successful economies prioritise understanding customers and markets before scaling production.

“Every successful company invests in finding customers before expanding production,” he said, noting that Uganda must continue strengthening standards, infrastructure and financing systems to compete internationally.

Uganda Targets Bigger Export Deals

The 2026 Buyers’ Week builds on the inaugural edition held in 2025, which generated more than $1.5 million in export contracts.

PACEID now aims to attract a larger network of international buyers and facilitate at least 20 export transactions valued at more than $3 million during the 2026 edition.

The initiative is expected to provide Ugandan businesses with direct access to international markets while helping exporters understand buyer expectations, quality requirements and global supply chain standards.

PACEID Markets Director Katarikawe Opus Brenda described the platform as a bridge between Uganda’s producers and global commercial opportunities.

“Uganda Connect International Buyers’ Week is where production meets opportunity, and where relationships are developed. Every buyer who comes to Uganda leaves as an ambassador,” she said.

Exporters Prepare for Global Market Competition

Following the launch, PACEID will begin a nationwide exporter preparation programme running from July to October 2026.

The initiative will focus on export readiness, compliance, branding, trade negotiations, buyer engagement and market-specific requirements to help Ugandan companies become more competitive internationally.

PACEID said the programme is part of broader efforts to accelerate value addition, industrialisation and foreign exchange growth through increased exports.

The committee is also releasing its January–June 2026 Half-Year Performance Report, highlighting progress in market development, standards compliance, export infrastructure, export financing and strategic partnerships.

Positioning Uganda as a Global Trading Partner

PACEID said UCIBW 2026 is not only about signing contracts but also about building confidence in Uganda as a reliable business and investment destination.

“Every international buyer who visits Uganda becomes a witness to our quality, our hospitality and our investment potential,” Rwabwogo said.

As Uganda pursues export-led industrialisation, the organisers believe the Buyers’ Week will help create stronger links between producers and international markets, encouraging factory expansion, job creation and increased economic value from locally produced goods.

The launch signals Uganda’s ambition to compete for a larger share of global trade — with a message to exporters that success in international markets will depend not only on what the country produces, but on its ability to connect with buyers worldwide.

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