Uganda’s Call for Russian Market Access

At the third Russia-Africa Summit, Vice President Jessica Alupo, representing President Yoweri Museveni, emphasized the potential for enhanced trade relations between Africa and Russia. She highlighted that improved access to the Russian market could provide opportunities for African producers.

Museveni specifically requested Russian leadership to open the market for African goods, including textiles, processed coffee, fruits, fish products, leather, cereals, and vegetable oil.

The East African Community (EAC), which includes Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, Somalia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, has a combined population of 331 million people. Museveni urged Russian investors to explore opportunities in the region's expanding market.

Museveni noted that the EAC has enabled member states to expand their markets, allowing industries to grow beyond domestic demand, which he stated is inadequate for many products.