Uganda and Egypt Forge Stronger Ties in Trade, Industry, and Nile Cooperation

President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda and President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi of Egypt held extensive bilateral talks at State House, Entebbe, focusing on deepening cooperation in key areas vital for economic growth and regional stability.

The leaders committed to strengthening partnerships in trade, industrialisation, renewable energy, fish farming, and the sustainable management of the River Nile. Discussions also encompassed regional peace and security, economic transformation, and water resource management.

President Museveni highlighted the challenges of environmental degradation and wetland encroachment within the Nile Basin, linking them to population pressure and limited economic opportunities. He proposed large-scale fish farming as a solution to create jobs, protect wetlands, and boost export earnings, emphasizing a transition from subsistence agriculture to manufacturing and services.

President El-Sisi commended President Museveni’s leadership and reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to supporting Uganda’s development agenda. He pledged Egyptian expertise and investment in fish farming, renewable energy, and industrialization, urging African nations to focus on value addition rather than exporting raw materials.

To facilitate trade and investment, the Egyptian President announced plans to establish a Joint Business Council and invited President Museveni to the African Business Forum in Egypt. Both leaders also addressed regional peace and security concerns in various African hotspots, advocating for dialogue and African-led peace processes.

Regarding the Nile Basin, President El-Sisi stressed the need for sustainable and equitable water resource utilization, noting Egypt’s significant water scarcity. A joint communiqué confirmed the operationalization of previous agreements and strengthened cooperation in agro-processing, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, water management, and infrastructure development, with Egypt ready to finance water-related projects.

The two nations also agreed to bolster cooperation within regional and continental frameworks like the African Union, AfCFTA, and COMESA, aligning with Agenda 2063 and the SDGs.

Source: State House (Uganda)