Business 5 May 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Uganda Highlights Investment Opportunities at China's Canton Fair
Uganda made a notable appearance at the 2026 Canton Fair in Guangzhou, showcasing products like coffee and shea butter to attract investors and buyers. The event led to direct sales, orders, and interest in sectors from energy to agro-processing. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/uganda-showcases-investment-potential-at-china-s-canton-fair-5447644
Uganda’s business delegation turned heads at the China Import and Export Fair, known as the Canton Fair, from May 1 to 5 in Guangzhou. This massive biannual trade show drew thousands of global participants, offering Uganda a prime spot to boost exports and forge economic links, especially with China.
Local firms such as Seedstar Specialty Coffee, Elyon Organics, Senela Organics, RhinoSeeds Africa, and Megkari Coffee displayed items including coffee, shea butter cosmetics, and crafts. The pavilion’s location near a key entrance pulled in crowds, resulting in quick sales and firm orders for coffee, tea, and more.
Kawuki Annet from Seedstar Specialty Coffee noted huge global buzz around Ugandan coffee, with visitors keen to sample and explore it, unlocking new market access. Nanyombi Christian of Elyon Organics praised the fair for vital buyer connections and network growth.
Led by Ambassador Juju Nsababera, Uganda’s Consul General in Guangzhou, with support from Foreign Affairs Ministry and Beijing Embassy officials, the team stressed value addition, strong branding, and meeting global standards. Nsababera pointed to China’s 1.4 billion-strong market as a golden chance for exporters, signaling Uganda’s shift from raw goods to premium products.
Interest extended beyond trade to tourism, with queries on eco-tourism and culture. Amid $1.46 billion annual bilateral trade—Uganda exporting $90 million mainly in coffee and minerals, importing over $1.3 billion in machinery—the fair sparked investment talks in energy, minerals, agro-processing, and manufacturing with parties from Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
Officials are hopeful for lasting deals, higher exports, and projects. Nsababera affirmed: Uganda is open for business and geared for global value chains. The government urges entrepreneurs to leverage such events for growth.