Infrastructure, Innovation, and Investment: Uganda’s Path to Growth at the UK-Africa Summit 2024

At the 14th UK-Africa Annual Trade Summit, Uganda’s Minister of Gender, Labor, and Social Development, Hon. Betty Amongi, delivered a powerful keynote highlighting Uganda's booming infrastructure sector. She outlined investment opportunities in cities, industrial parks, and innovative projects like waste-to-energy, backed by Uganda's young, skilled workforce. Hon. Amongi emphasized Uganda's 10 emerging cities and industrial parks, offering tax exemptions and land access to attract foreign investors. She also stressed the housing market's potential, with a deficit of 2.4 million units and urgent needs for affordable housing. The Minister praised Uganda's youthful population, with 80% under 35, and efforts to skill them for technology and industrial sectors. She also mentioned co-investment opportunities through Uganda’s $6 billion National Social Security Fund (NSSF) and encouraged the diaspora to invest in real estate. The session also spotlighted Uganda’s leadership in women's entrepreneurship, with 44% of businesses owned by women, and the country’s thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. A panel of experts explored infrastructure challenges and solutions, including road financing models, housing shortages, and transportation systems. Uganda's partnership with the UK, via £1-2 billion in UKEF funding, was also discussed, underscoring the country’s commitment to growth and collaboration. Uganda is open for business, with exciting opportunities for international investors.