Business

Equity Group spearheaded a high-impact Trade and Investment Mission to Tanzania and Uganda, bringing together investors from across Africa and beyond to explore trade and investment opportunities in the region’s fast-growing markets. The week-long mission, which spanned Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, and Kampala, was designed to promote cross-border trade and investment and strengthen regional value chains under the Group’s Africa Recovery and Resilience Plan (ARRP).

Organized in partnership with Equity Bank Tanzania and Equity Bank Uganda, the mission convened over 50 investors from Asia, Africa, Middle East and Europe, including entrepreneurs, private equity firms, development partners, and institutional investors. Delegates participated in panel discussions, B2B networking, government and business forums, and strategic site visits in sectors such as agribusiness, energy, tourism, infrastructure, financial services, manufacturing and the Blue Economy.

“This mission is a strategic effort to unlock the enormous potential that exists in Tanzania and Uganda by connecting global capital to local opportunities,” said Dr. James Mwangi, Equity Group Managing Director and CEO. “Our goal is to catalyze investment and trade that deliver lasting impact, creating jobs, enhancing value chains, and driving inclusive economic growth.”

In Tanzania, the mission explored opportunities in agro-processing, tourism, renewable energy, ICT, and more. Investors visited key developments in Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar, where the blue economy and sustainable real estate are drawing rising interest.

“Tanzania is not just an emerging market, it is a rising economic powerhouse,” said Isabela Maganga, Managing Director, Equity Bank (Tanzania) Limited. “This is more than a roadshow; it’s a strategic platform aligning capital with national and continental priorities under AfCFTA. At Equity, we’re proud to help turn potential into progress.”

Government officials echoed the private sector’s enthusiasm.

“Tanzania is open for business, and institutions like Equity Bank are helping accelerate that momentum,” noted James Maziku, Director of Investment Services at the Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC). “With a supportive investment climate and bold reforms, this initiative is timely and aligned with our national development goals.”

In Zanzibar, leaders praised the bank’s approach to inclusive investment facilitation.

“Equity’s initiative to connect local businesses with global investors is commendable,” said Hon. Omar S. Shaaban, Zanzibar’s Minister of Trade and Industrial Development. “It’s rare to see a financial institution so actively building cross-border investment bridges.”

Hon. Rashid Ali Salim, Deputy Principal Secretary in Zanzibar’s President’s Office, added, “This mission is a gateway for our people to access international markets, especially in tourism and the blue economy. It’s a true example of impactful public-private collaboration.”

The Uganda leg of the mission focused on value addition, manufacturing, and agri-tech, with delegates touring industrial zones and holding discussions with policymakers and entrepreneurs.

“Uganda is emerging as a dynamic investment destination, thanks to its stable economy, rich resources, and reform-oriented environment,” said Gift Shoko, Managing Director, Equity Bank Uganda. “This mission showcases real opportunities to create local value for regional and global markets.”

The Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU) highlighted the importance of such partnerships in shaping a stronger regional economy.

“This mission reflects our readiness to collaborate with the private sector in attracting investment, boosting industrialization, and building resilient economies,” noted a PSFU representative. “Such partnerships are key to unlocking Africa’s next growth frontier.”

The trade mission built on the legacy of successful Equity-led trade and investment missions in recent years, including Kenya-DRC, US-Tanzania, Belgium-DRC-Rwanda, Singapore-Kenya, India-Kenya, South Africa-Kenya, US-Tanzania-Kenya, India-Rwanda-Uganda, and DRC Investors Roadshows. These missions have helped catalyze billions in investment, facilitate new business partnerships, and supported regional trade integration helping to facilitate the Africa Free Continental Trade Area Agreement, of which Equity Group is a signatory. In addition, through a formal partnership with the East African Community (EAC), Equity is actively supporting the creation of a common market by accelerating the implementation of the ARRP.

As part of its Africa Recovery and Resilience Plan, Equity Group is redirecting liquidity equivalent to 2% of the region’s GDP toward the private sector, targeting critical value chains in agriculture, manufacturing, MSMEs, and infrastructure. The plan aims to reach 100 million people and businesses by 2030 and create up to 50 million jobs across the continent.

Ronny Mulongo, a representative from the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU) said, “This mission reflects our region’s readiness to collaborate with the private sector in attracting investment, driving industrialization, and building resilient, inclusive economies. Partnerships like these are essential for unlocking Africa’s next phase of growth.”

The Tanzania-Uganda Trade Mission is a continuation of the Group’s commitment to transforming lives and livelihoods by connecting people, capital, and opportunity across Africa.