Kinshasa to host Uganda-DRC Business Forum next week

KINSHASA— Entrepreneurs from Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and beyond are set to convene in Kinshasa a major business summit, announced organizers that also include the Ugandan Embassy in DRC.

The Uganda-DRC Business Forum, now in its second edition, will be held starting 22-25 March at Fleuva Congo Hotel.

The Forum will gather up to 150 participants consisting of businesspeople from Uganda and their DRC counterparts along with Government officials of both countries, as well as key business stakeholders from the two countries.

Commenting about the much sought-after business forum, His Lordship Gentiny Ngobila, the Governor of the City-Province of Kinshasa reiterated that the Forum is timely and the environment is conducive.

“It is time to break the barriers and fast-track trade links among ourselves; it is high time for our private sectors to harness and unlock the full potential of the existing business opportunities. City-to-city cooperation is also timely. I will personally grace the forum and look forward to seeing the Uganda Business Community in Kinshasa, Bienvenue.”

In a meeting with Dr. Edith Namutebi Nsubuga, the Charge d’affaires of the Embassy of Uganda in Kinshasa, His Lordship Gentiny Ngobila who has been to Kampala and   Arua cities said added:

“I love Uganda and make frequent trips to Kampala. I have been to Kabale, Arua and I love the cool breeze in Entebbe. I enjoy the fresh fish from Lake Victoria”.

It is worth recalling that Kinshasa is a megalopolitan city with a population of 15,628,000 (2022 est.) and is one of the largest cities in Africa.

It is a secure city with hospitable and lively people. Although the cost of living is high, commodities are abundant and accessible from local markets, chain supermarkets, and retail shops. The construction industry is booming which is an indication of relative stability, and one can be tempted to call it a construction hub.

The forum being spearheaded by the Ugandan Embassy in Kinshasa, DRC government, and supported by private actors including DRC-Uganda Business Association, an umbrella association of traders is aimed at building spurring bilateral trade between Kampala and Kinshasa as both countries look up to each other for investment opportunities.

The business forum will be hosted under the theme: Growing Business and Trade between DRC and Uganda through Deepening Bilateral Trade, Partnerships, Knowledge Transfer for Mutual Peace and Prosperity.

The other areas of the forum’s focus will include promoting trade between the two countries through sharing information on improved trade facilitation, enhanced trade in goods and services as well as investment opportunities.

The forum will offer a platform for sharing the rich business potential that exists between the two neighboring countries and exploring ways of economically leveraging from the cordial bilateral relations that have been heightened by continuous engagements at the highest level.

Written By H.E. Gentiny Ngobila, Governor of Kinshasa Province.