Uganda, Nigeria Move to Deepen Trade Cooperation

What the report says

Nile Post reports that Uganda and Nigeria have renewed efforts to expand trade and investment cooperation, with a senior Ugandan delegation in Abuja seeking better market access, easier movement for businesspeople and stronger economic partnerships. The delegation was led by Odrek Rwabwogo, chair of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development, and included State Minister for Industry David Bahati and Uganda’s Acting High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ambassador Philip Odida.

According to the report, the Ugandan team was received by Nigeria’s Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and other senior officials. The visit follows earlier talks between President Yoweri Museveni and Akume, who represented Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at Uganda’s presidential inauguration in May 2026. The discussions are aimed at turning political ties into practical commercial cooperation.

Issues raised included preparations for a proposed Joint Permanent Commission, visa reciprocity, investment protection, avoidance of double taxation, improved air links and a Uganda–Nigeria trade corridor under the African Continental Free Trade Area. The Ugandan side also cited regulatory and non-tariff barriers affecting exports such as coffee, tea, powdered milk, beans and pharmaceuticals, including product registration, rules of origin, import permits, customs procedures and access to reliable buyers.

The engagement matters because Nigeria is Africa’s largest economy and a potentially important market for Ugandan products. Nile Post reported that Uganda framed the visit as part of a wider strategy to expand export markets, attract investment and create business opportunities through closer government and private-sector cooperation.