By Ambrose Okwanga I May 6th, 2026
Uganda has secured export deals and attracted fresh investment interest following its participation in the 139th China Import and Export Fair, commonly known as the Canton Fair, held in Guangzhou.
The five-day global trade exhibition, which ran from May 1st to 5th, brought together thousands of buyers, investors, and manufacturers, offering Uganda a platform to market its products and expand economic ties with China and other international partners.
Ugandan exhibitors drawn from the coffee, shea butter, and artisanal crafts sectors reported strong demand, with some products securing confirmed orders and direct sales within the first days of the exhibition.
Companies including Seedstar Specialty Coffee, Elyon Organics, Senela Organics, RhinoSeeds Africa, and Megkari Coffee showcased Ugandan goods to a global audience.
“The world now knows Uganda’s coffee,” said Kawuki Annet of Seedstar Specialty Coffee. “Visitors were tasting, asking questions, and showing real interest. This has opened doors to the global market.”
Nanyombi Christian of Elyon Organics described the fair as “an incredible experience,” crediting Uganda’s Consulate in Guangzhou for enabling their participation.
The Ugandan delegation was led by Consul General Ambassador Juju Nsababera and included officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Uganda Embassy in Beijing.
Nsababera emphasized the need for Ugandan exporters to focus on value addition, branding, and quality standards to compete globally.
“Uganda is ready to engage not just as a source of raw materials, but as a supplier of high-quality, value-added products,” she said, pointing to China’s 1.4 billion-strong consumer market as a key opportunity.
Uganda’s pavilion attracted significant foot traffic, boosting visibility for products such as coffee, tea, crafts, and shea butter-based cosmetics. The exhibition also sparked interest in Uganda as a tourism destination, with visitors making inquiries about eco-tourism and cultural experiences.
Beyond trade, officials say the fair opened new investment opportunities, with international firms expressing interest in sectors including energy, agro-processing, manufacturing, and mineral development.
Uganda’s participation comes amid growing trade ties with China. Bilateral trade currently stands at about US$1.46 billion annually, although Uganda continues to face a significant trade imbalance, exporting roughly US$90 million worth of goods compared to imports exceeding US$1.3 billion.
Government officials say international trade platforms like the Canton Fair are critical to boosting exports and narrowing the trade gap through value addition and increased market access.
“Uganda is open for business and ready to partner,” Nsababera said, expressing confidence that the engagements will translate into long-term trade deals and investment projects.