Uganda to open trade hubs in DRC Central and Southern Africa

The partnership aims to bolster the export of various products from Uganda to the DRC, including fish, beef, dairy products, grains, and other food and industrial goods
It also seeks to address logistical challenges and facilitate return cargo opportunities for Congolese traders
Uganda enjoys a trade surplus with the DRC, amounting to USD 53.07 million

The Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development (PACEID) has entered into a significant partnership with Masheda Foods Limited, a Uganda-Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) enterprise, to establish a Trade Hub in Kinshasa and other regions of Central and Southern Africa. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by key representatives from both organizations, marking a notable step in enhancing trade relations between Uganda and the DRC.

The MoU signing ceremony was attended by Matthew Bagonza, Head of Secretariat at PACEID, and Ms. Sherina Nabakooza Ainembabazi, Chief Operating Officer of Masheda Foods Limited. The event was witnessed by Odrek Rwabwogo, Chairman of PACEID, and Brenda K. Opus, Head of Markets at PACEID. This partnership aims to bolster the export of various products, including fish, beef, dairy products, grains, and other food and industrial goods, from Uganda to the DRC.

The collaboration will also address logistical challenges, such as reducing cargo charges for Ugandan exporters and facilitating return cargo opportunities for Congolese traders. By working together, PACEID and Masheda Foods Limited aim to enhance the visibility and accessibility of Ugandan products in the Congolese market, thereby promoting mutual trade benefits.

Odrek Rwabwogo expressed optimism about the partnership, highlighting the efforts made since May 2022 to foster trading relationships at the company level. He praised the work of Justin Katoto, the Trade Representative, for addressing non-tariff trade barriers that have hindered Ugandan businesses from fully accessing the DRC market. Rwabwogo noted,

“I am happy that the efforts that we began in May 2022 to open trading relations at a company level are beginning to bear fruit.”

The initiative aligns with Uganda's broader trade strategy with the DRC, as evidenced by recent trade data. In June, Uganda’s head of mission in Kinshasa, Ambassador Alhaji Farid Mansoor Kallisa, reported that Uganda enjoys a trade surplus with the DRC, amounting to USD 53.07 million (Shs208.9 billion). Key exports from Uganda to the DRC include fish, mattresses, salt, and cereals, while imports from the DRC primarily consist of palm oils and paints.

The establishment of the Trade Hub in Kinshasa is expected to streamline trade operations, reduce costs, and create new opportunities for businesses in both countries. As Uganda continues to expand its trade footprint in the region, this partnership with Masheda Foods Limited represents a crucial step towards achieving sustainable economic growth and regional integration.