Uganda could soon become the centre of East Africa’s digital and trade transformation following proposals to establish an East African Trade Centre and a regional digital hub in the country.
The ambitious proposals were presented to the Government by a team of investors led by Heritage Times Africa Chief Executive Officer Moses Siloko Siasia during engagements with officials from the Ministry of East African Community Affairs in Kampala.
First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs Rebecca Kadaga welcomed the proposals, describing them as initiatives with potential to enhance regional integration, trade growth and technological advancement. She, however, explained that the ideas would be subjected to wider government consultations before implementation.
Kadaga said a digital hub based in Uganda would provide a major boost to the country’s technology sector by supporting innovation, entrepreneurship and the development of digital solutions that can benefit businesses and citizens across the East African region.
She noted that Uganda’s membership in the East African Community places the country in a strategic position to attract investment, giving businesses access to a vast regional market of over 340 million people through improved movement of goods, services, capital and labour.
The meeting also discussed plans for Uganda to host the first-ever East African Digital and Trade Transformation Summit in November 2026. The proposed summit is expected to bring together policymakers, investors, technology companies and entrepreneurs to explore opportunities in digital transformation, fintech, e-commerce, tourism, energy and other key sectors.
Siasia said the proposed East African Digital Hub would help nurture innovation, expand digital skills among young people and encourage technology-driven solutions. He added that the East African Trade Centre would act as a bridge connecting regional businesses to wider African and international markets.
The investors, including representatives from Heritage Times Africa, Vagan Oil and Gas Limited and Black Pearl Global Investments, said Uganda’s economic prospects, youthful workforce and emerging oil sector make it an attractive destination for investment. Government officials said the proposals fit within Uganda’s broader agenda of digital transformation, private-sector growth and regional economic integration.
