Uganda, Germany Seek Stronger Economic Ties Through Investment, Technology Transfer

Uganda and Germany are seeking to deepen economic cooperation, with a focus on investment, technology transfer, industrialisation and job creation as the two countries begin government-to-government negotiations.

Opening the talks at the Ministry of Finance, Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury Ramathan Ggoobi urged Germany to increase investment in Uganda’s priority sectors, including agriculture, tourism, minerals, science and technology.

He said the partnership should support Uganda’s Fourth National Development Plan and its Tenfold Growth Strategy, which aims to grow the economy to US$500 billion by 2040.

Ggoobi highlighted proposed German support for water security, including investment in River Enyau, electricity access in West Nile, climate-resilient agriculture and local economic development in northern Uganda through the SCALE programme.

He also called for more predictable international funding, noting that Uganda hosts about 2.05 million refugees and asylum-seekers, placing pressure on public resources.

The head of the German delegation, Joachim Schmitt, reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to cooperation based on measurable results, accountability and greater private-sector participation.

Schmitt commended Uganda’s refugee-hosting policy and highlighted Germany’s support for climate resilience, regional health security and sustainable development, including the construction of six valley tanks in Karamoja.

He said good governance, transparency, respect for human rights and a predictable business environment were important for attracting investment and strengthening the partnership.

Both countries also called for faster implementation of existing projects, stronger trade and technology partnerships, and greater involvement of private businesses in driving economic growth.