Stephen Asiimwe, the CEO of the Private Sector Uganda (L) and Zaake Wanume Kibedi, Uganda’s ambassador to the United Arab Emirates hold the trophy after the win
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I Uganda was recognized for promoting and facilitating the private sector investors above her other counterparts on the African continent.
The country was recognised for creating a conducive environment for investment to thrive, won the prize for the third time in a row.
Uganda emerged “Runner-up for Best Investment Promotion Agency in Africa” when its promotion arm, the Uganda Investment Authority (UIA) was recognized for exemplary work
UIA received the award at a colourful gala event at the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi. The event, which brought together over 25,000 business leaders, investors, and experts from 180 countries, is part of a series of events taking place on the sidelines of a 3-day Annual Investment Meeting (AIM Congress 2025), which ends on 9th April, 2025.
The AIM Global Awards 2025 recognises the top-performing investment promotion agencies worldwide.
Zaake Wanume Kibedi, Uganda’s ambassador to the United Arab Emirates thanked the government of Uganda, the UAE, the UIA and the private sector for this joint concerted effort that made this achievement possible.
Speaking at the sidelines of the event, he said they chose to participate in the global event to promote Uganda’s economic and commercial diplomacy.
He noted that Uganda’s participation at the AIM 2025 is aimed at attracting Foreign Direct Investment to the country’s key economic sectors.
“That will lead to an increase in private sector contribution to boosting sustainable development and increasing the GDP,” he said.
This year’s event, being held under the theme: “Mapping the Future of Global Investment: The New Wave of a Globalized Investment Landscape – Towards a New Balanced World Structure. It drew a global audience of investors and investment promotion agencies.
Uganda’s consecutive wins demonstrates the country’s commitment to creating a favourable investment climate and its potential for economic growth.
The UIA’s recognition at the AIM Global Awards 2025 is expected to further enhance Uganda’s reputation as an attractive investment destination.
It also puts Uganda on the global map, being that the AIM Congress 2025 features prominent speakers and attendees, including CEOs and high-ranking officials from various industries.
Uganda’s trade with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is thriving, with the UAE emerging as Uganda’s leading export destination worldwide. UAE overtook Kenya as Uganda’s largest source of exports several years ago.
According to a report from the Bank of Uganda, over the past 14 years, Uganda’s exports to UAE have increased at an annualised rate of 5.29 percent from $107.94 in June 2011 to $2.03b.
Stephen Asiimwe, the CEO of the Private Sector Uganda (PSFU), who traveled to UAE to attend the event, said that investors are always looking for comfort, confidence and stability to do business. “This win is very good for us a country and the business community. It will eventually translate into more capital, technology and job creation,” he said.
Now in its 14th Year, AIM is an initiative of the AIM Foundation, an independent international organization committed to empowering the world’s economy by boosting effective promotion strategies and facilitating opportunities for economic productivity and expansion.
