MUSASIZI COMMENDS FRANCE FOR SUPPORTING UGANDA’S ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION Finance Minister @henrymusasizi1 has commended France for its cooperation with Uganda, highlighting opportunities to deepen investment, strengthen trade and advance the country’s economic transformation agenda. Musasizi made the remarks during a courtesy visit by the French Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Virginie Leroy, where the two sides engaged on bilateral relations and opportunities for further cooperation. The engagement comes as Uganda pursues its Tenfold Growth Strategy, which aims to grow the economy to US$500 billion by 2040 through agro-industrialisation, tourism development, mineral development, and science, technology and innovation. Musasizi emphasised the importance of development partners in supporting Uganda’s investment ambitions, particularly in manufacturing, technology transfer, value addition and export diversification. Uganda is seeking to move beyond exporting raw materials by expanding processing and manufacturing in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, steel, processed dairy, value-added coffee and other agricultural products. The Minister also highlighted opportunities for European investors to support technology acquisition, joint ventures and public-private partnerships that can raise productivity and expand markets for Ugandan businesses. Uganda’s exports to the European Union increased from approximately €500 million in 2019 to €1.8 billion in 2025, demonstrating the potential for deeper commercial engagement. In FY2025/26, Uganda’s exports of goods and services reached US$18.4 billion, reflecting the growing importance of trade and productive sectors to the country’s economic transformation. “Strengthening cooperation with France and other European partners can help mobilise investment, facilitate technology transfer and create opportunities for Ugandan enterprises to participate in regional and international value chains,” Musasizi noted. The visit provides an opportunity to reinforce Uganda-France relations and explore areas of mutual interest in supporting investment, industrial development and Uganda’s long-term economic ambitions.