Abu Dhabi: Stephen Asiimwe, Executive Director of Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU), revealed that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has become one of the leading exporters to Uganda, marking a significant enhancement in economic ties over the past five years. He shared these insights during the AIM Congress held in Abu Dhabi.
According to Emirates News Agency, Asiimwe noted that over 100,000 Ugandans currently reside in the UAE, with many having established their own businesses. These enterprises are instrumental in extending their commercial influence from the UAE into the broader Middle East region and beyond. He also underscored the importance of daily flights between Uganda and the UAE, which significantly contribute to strengthening trade, investment, and business connectivity between the two nations.
Asiimwe highlighted Uganda's youthful demographic, where nearly 75% of the population is under 35 years old. This demographic presents a promising human resource pool for UAE companies interested in sectors like technology and entrepreneurship. He also pointed to Uganda's robust educational framework, comprising over 60 universities and 300 higher education institutions, as well as a growing number of startups.
Furthermore, Asiimwe emphasized Uganda's stable and secure investment environment, characterized by a stable currency and an efficient financial system. Uganda's strategic location within the East African Community, which has a population of 400 million, positions it as a gateway for UAE investments into Africa. Additionally, as a leading producer of organic agricultural products, Uganda is a strategic partner for the UAE in promoting regional food security, supported by the UAE's advanced logistics and transportation infrastructure.