Business 23 April 2026 The Observer (Uganda)
Uganda Woos Chinese Investors with Land, Tax Breaks, and Coffee Opportunities
Uganda's government is aggressively courting Chinese investors through the Uganda–China Coffee Investment and Destination Tour 2026 in Kampala, offering land allocation, tax holidays, and incentives to boost value addition in coffee and other sectors. State Minister Evelyn Anite highlighted the President's directive to provide land for job-creating projects amid China's existing $1 billion investments in infrastructure and industry. Source: https://observer.ug/news/uganda-makes-bold-pitch-to-chinese-investors
Uganda is intensifying its economic ties with China by inviting investors to capitalize on available land, reduced taxes, and agricultural potential, especially in coffee production.
At a key event in Kampala during the Uganda–China Coffee Investment and Destination Tour 2026, State Minister for Finance, Planning and Economic Development Evelyn Anite urged Chinese businesses to invest in processing and value addition rather than raw exports.
“The President has directed my office to mobilise and allocate land to serious investors. In return, we expect investments that create jobs for Ugandans,” Anite stated.
China has already poured about $1 billion into Uganda, funding projects like the Kampala–Entebbe Expressway, Karuma and Isimba hydropower plants, Entebbe Airport expansion, and industrial parks. These efforts employ over 1.4 million people and span manufacturing, energy, agriculture, and oil.
The latest focus is coffee, Uganda’s major export crop. Officials promote investments in processing, packaging, and technology, citing fertile land, ideal climate, and a strong farming workforce.
Incentives include business registration in 45 minutes, 10-year tax holidays, machinery import exemptions, and land access for key projects, aiming to make Uganda a top regional investment hub.
Uganda’s Ambassador to China, Oliver Wonekha, emphasized the diplomatic importance of these ties, with coffee playing a vital role in trade, jobs, and livelihoods.