By Joellah Anshemeza
The Pan African Congress Business Forum, starting on October 6th and ending on October 12th at Speke Resort, Munyonyo, Kampala, presents an opportunity to identify products and services in demand across the United States market.
The forum is organised by the Government of Uganda through the Presidential Advisory Committee on Export and Industrial Development (PACEID) in partnership with the Africa Global Chamber of Commerce, the private sector in Uganda, and the United States under the theme “A Diaspora Homecoming: Navigating the Next 100 Years” to enhance Uganda’s exports to the United States. This emphasises the African diaspora’s pivotal role in shaping the continent’s future over the next century.
The theme recognises the role played by the African diaspora in the global economy and the potential impact they have on the continent’s economic and social developments. It celebrates the strong historical and cultural ties between Africa and its diaspora while envisioning a future where their contributions accelerate Africa’s growth, sustainability, and global influence.
In hosting this high-profile forum, Uganda’s leadership underscores the country’s growing role in Pan-African initiatives.
As a nation rich in resources and cultures, and with its strategic focus on industrial development and export promotion, Uganda is an ideal venue to convene African and diaspora business leaders, government leaders, experts in tourism, manufacturing, trade, exports, leading multinational agencies, financial institutions, innovators, policymakers, and entrepreneurs. The Pan African Congress Business Forum is expected to attract a wide array of participants from around the world, including representatives of international organisations.
Key themes and topics to be discussed include trade and investment in Uganda as a gateway to the East African Community and Africa, positioning Uganda as a new technology and innovation hub for Africa, an overview of the UgExim Ltd. export finance model, understanding the US standards and Uganda’s progress in improving compliance, leveraging the influence of the African diaspora in the US, the role of Uganda trade representatives and support to exporters and buyers, and the East African creative industry: strengthening Uganda’s partnerships with the U.S.
The event will be attended by government and business leaders, representatives from multinational agencies and financial institutions, and experts in exports, trade, and tourism, hence providing a platform for networking, collaboration, and knowledge sharing.
As a first-of-its-kind, it will help policymakers, business leaders, and stakeholders to dialogue on how best to launch strategies that can promote sustainable economic growth.
On the sidelines of the business forum, participants will also visit what Uganda has in terms of tourism: sites like Namugongo Martyrs Shrine and Kasubi Tombs, various national parks across the country, Bujjagali Falls, and the Source of the Nile, among others.
The Pan African Congress Business Forum promises to be a defining moment in the ongoing story of Africa’s development and its relationship with the diaspora. With Uganda at the helm, the forum will inspire bold discussions, drive impactful partnerships, and pave the way for sustainable growth.
This historic homecoming will be a celebration of Uganda’s past, a reflection on its present, and a blueprint for its future.
The Writer is a Communications Officer at Government Citizen Interaction Centre (GCIC)
