More than 150 investors and business leaders from 10 countries have toured Ugandan companies to explore opportunities in manufacturing, agricultural processing and regional trade.
The visits, organised under Equity Group’s 2026 Uganda Trade and Investment Roadshow, took the delegates to Zigoti Coffee Works Limited, Roofings Limited and RZ Innovations Limited on Tuesday, September 15.
The roadshow was launched at the Marriott Hotel in Kampala the previous day, with the investors seeking to understand Uganda’s production capacity and identify potential business partnerships.
At Zigoti Coffee Works, the discussions focused on how access to finance and better processing can help Uganda earn more from its coffee instead of exporting mainly raw products.
The third-generation coffee company, which was established in 1984, is investing in wet processing and specialty coffee as it seeks to increase the value of its exports.
Charles Roscoe Nsubuga, the company’s chairman, said long-term financing was important for local exporters looking to compete in international markets.
The company also discussed financing arrangements that would allow smallholder farmers to access agricultural inputs and repay the loans through proceeds from their coffee sales.
Zigoti is further seeking to expand its distribution network in the region, including exploring opportunities in South Sudan.
Irene Irungu, Senior Manager of Trade Relations at Equity Group, said the roadshow was created to connect African producers directly with buyers and markets within Equity’s regional network.
She said the initiative was driven by demand from customers looking for opportunities to trade across different African markets.
The investors also visited RZ Innovations and its parent company, Royikems Industries, where they saw how a business that started as a motorcycle spare-parts dealer has grown into a manufacturer.
Founded in 2005, the company now produces motorcycle tyres, inner tubes and brake shoes and employs about 650 people.
Its products are sold in several markets across East and Central Africa, while the company is also using recycled aluminium and rubber in some of its manufacturing processes.
Despite the growth, company managers told the investors that manufacturers continue to face challenges, including high production costs, foreign exchange fluctuations, transport costs and unreliable electricity.
Mark Ssempijja, General Manager of RZ Innovations, said unstable electricity supply affects machinery and production, particularly the processing of hot rubber.
The company has also improved its access road to reduce dust and protect production quality.
Commercial solar power was among the solutions discussed during the visit as manufacturers look for more reliable and affordable sources of energy.
The visits gave the investors an opportunity to see the challenges and opportunities facing Ugandan businesses as they seek to increase production, add value to local raw materials and expand into regional markets.
For Equity Group, the roadshow is aimed at creating direct links between Ugandan producers, investors, buyers and financial institutions.
The initiative is also intended to support intra-African trade by helping businesses find new customers, investment opportunities and partnerships across the continent.
