Full Breakdown
Uganda Showcases Economic Potential at World Expo 2025
10/10/2025, 8:28:50 PM
Uganda National Day Celebration in Osaka
On October 8, 2025, Uganda celebrated its National Day at the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, with Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja presiding over the vibrant event. The celebration attracted Japanese officials, business leaders, diplomats, and the public, emphasizing Uganda as a premier investment destination. Mr. Yoshitaka Ito, Japan's Minister overseeing the World Expo, represented the Japanese government during the festivities.
In her keynote address, Prime Minister Nabbanja conveyed greetings from President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and expressed gratitude for Japan's hospitality throughout the six-month-long Expo, which concludes on October 13. She highlighted the Expo's sub-theme, "Empowering Lives," aligning it with Uganda's national agenda focused on improving citizens' quality of life, particularly the youth.
Economic Partnerships and Investment Opportunities
Prime Minister Nabbanja detailed several successful partnerships resulting from the Uganda-Japan economic collaboration. These include:
- Selamat N. Vanilla Co. Ltd partnering with Uganda’s Gourmet Gardens to enhance vanilla exports.
- Gorilla Highlands Coffee establishing a direct market presence in Japan.
- Africa Runners Company promoting Ugandan tourism in Japan.
- Plans for a Skeepon fertilizer factory by Japan’s AC-Planta in Uganda.
- Saraya Company exploring the production of nutritious foods from Ugandan matooke for the Japanese market.
Nabbanja invited more Japanese investors to explore Uganda's opportunities, citing the country's peace, stability, and strategic location as gateways to African markets. She reaffirmed Uganda's commitment to the Tenfold Growth Strategy, which aims to expand the economy to $500 billion by 2040, focusing on sectors such as agro-industrialization, tourism, mineral development, oil and gas, and science and technology.
Official Statements and Responses
Nabbanja emphasized Uganda's potential as a top investment destination in Africa, noting its fertile soils, abundant natural resources, and youthful population. She stated, “We have a long-standing relationship with Japan built on mutual respect, trust, and shared development goals.” Yoshitaka Ito echoed this sentiment, highlighting Uganda's role as a key transportation hub in East Africa and its contributions to regional peace and stability.
Cultural Exchange and Conclusion
The celebration concluded with a cultural performance by the Ndere Troupe, which received enthusiastic applause from attendees. Nabbanja closed her address with a warm message in Japanese: “Minna-san, Uganda e yokoso!” (Everyone, welcome to Uganda!). The Uganda National Day at Expo 2025 underscored the strengthening bilateral relationship between Uganda and Japan, signaling potential for increased trade, investment, and shared prosperity in the coming years.
