Ajman Chamber Explores Opportunities for Investors in Ajman and Uganda

Ajman Chamber of Commerce Courts Uganda in Strategic African Investment Push

The Ajman Chamber of Commerce is deepening ties with Uganda as part of a broader UAE strategy to diversify investment partnerships beyond traditional markets. In a high-level meeting with Uganda's ambassador, both sides explored opportunities in agriculture, textiles, and manufacturing—sectors that could offer UAE investors access to East Africa's growing consumer base of over 50 million people.

Why Uganda Matters for UAE's Investment Strategy

Uganda represents an attractive entry point into East Africa's rapidly expanding economy. The country's agricultural potential—particularly in coffee, tea, and food processing—aligns well with the UAE's food security priorities. With global supply chains still recovering from recent disruptions, UAE entities are increasingly looking to diversify sourcing and investment destinations.

Engineer Abdullah bin Mohammed Al-Muwaiji, Chairman of Ajman Chamber of Commerce, emphasized Uganda's strengths in agriculture, food industries, and textile manufacturing during the meeting with Ambassador Zaki Zanoum Kibedi. The discussion, attended by chamber officials and embassy representatives, focused on creating tangible business connections rather than symbolic agreements.

Ajman's Competitive Advantage in the Investment Race

While Dubai and Abu Dhabi dominate headlines for major international deals, Ajman is positioning itself as a more accessible gateway for mid-sized investments. The emirate's free zones and industrial areas offer lower operational costs compared to larger emirates, making it particularly attractive for African businesses seeking to establish regional headquarters.

Strategic Sectors in Focus

The meeting highlighted specific investment opportunities across multiple sectors including manufacturing, tourism, construction, real estate, education, and healthcare. This diversified approach suggests both parties are looking beyond traditional trade relationships toward more integrated economic partnerships.

For Ugandan investors, Ajman's Zoura area and free zones provide potential manufacturing bases with access to broader Gulf and Asian markets. The emirate's streamlined government services and business-friendly environment could appeal to companies looking to scale beyond East African markets.

Building Momentum Through Business Forums

Ambassador Kibedi extended an invitation for Ajman Chamber participation in the upcoming Uganda-UAE Business Forum scheduled for October in Kampala. This forum represents a more structured approach to business development, moving beyond diplomatic meetings toward concrete deal-making opportunities.

The emphasis on joint business meetings and potential memorandums of understanding with Ugandan chambers suggests both sides are serious about creating lasting commercial relationships. Such frameworks have proven successful in UAE partnerships with other African nations, including Kenya and Ethiopia.

Market Implications and Investor Outlook

This partnership reflects broader trends in UAE-Africa economic relations, with total trade volumes reaching $45 billion in recent years. For investors, Uganda's stable political environment and growing middle class present opportunities that larger, more competitive African markets may not offer.

The focus on agriculture and food processing could particularly benefit UAE companies seeking to secure supply chains outside traditional European and Asian sources. Uganda's landlocked position, while challenging for logistics, also means less competition from coastal trading hubs.

The October business forum in Kampala will likely serve as a key indicator of whether this diplomatic engagement translates into actual investment flows and commercial partnerships.