Uganda expands trade ties with United States and South Africa

Uganda is expanding its international economic partnerships through new initiatives with the United States and South Africa.

The United States has announced an indicative US$1.2 billion investment framework for Uganda under the “Trade over Aid” approach. Part of the Roosevelt Africa Trail initiative, this model aims to establish a commercial corridor between Uganda and the American Midwest, specifically North Dakota. The framework focuses on shifting bilateral relations toward private-sector investment and economic self-reliance. While the figure represents a proposed pipeline of projects rather than committed capital, eligible transactions could potentially receive backing from the Export-Import Bank of the United States once they pass feasibility studies and regulatory approvals.

Separately, South Africa and Uganda are working to strengthen bilateral ties through the Third Session of the South Africa–Uganda Joint Commission for Cooperation in Pretoria. South African International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola emphasized the need to convert diplomatic engagement into tangible trade benefits. The two nations are looking to expand cooperation in sectors including mining, energy, agriculture, manufacturing, and telecommunications. Efforts are being directed toward addressing regulatory barriers and improving trade facilitation to help businesses from both countries operate more effectively in each other’s markets.