Equity Group roadshow seeks to unlock cross-border trade and investment

What the report says

Equity Group’s 2026 Uganda-Rwanda Trade and Investment Roadshow has brought together business leaders, investors and policymakers to promote cross-border trade, investment and partnerships in East Africa, according to Nile Post. The event is drawing more than 150 participants from 10 nationalities and is focusing on sectors such as agriculture, mining, manufacturing, trade and the coffee value chain.

Uganda’s Trade, Industry and Cooperatives Minister Sanjay Tanna used the forum to press for greater investment in value addition, manufacturing, innovation and skills as part of the country’s economic transformation agenda. He also praised Equity Bank’s support for entrepreneurs and urged the lender to deepen its reach among micro, small and medium-sized businesses, especially those outside major cities. Tanna said government was prepared to work with financial institutions to cut barriers to investment and lower the cost of capital.

Equity Bank Uganda Executive Director Claver Serumaga said the roadshow is designed to go beyond financing by linking companies to markets, technology and strategic partners that can help them grow regionally. He argued that Uganda needs to move away from exporting raw materials and focus more on processing and branding to keep more value at home. That broader message reflects a common policy theme in East Africa, where governments and businesses have long discussed industrialisation and regional market integration.

The programme includes a Uganda Coffee Value Chain Roundtable with industry players such as Neumann Kaffee Gruppe and Volcafe, along with business networking sessions and site visits. Delegates are scheduled to visit firms including Zigoti Coffee Farm, JNL Industries and Roofings Uganda Limited before the Uganda leg ends on September 16, after which participants will travel to Kigali.