The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives has officially opened registration for the upcoming National Trade Review Conference 2026. This high-level forum serves as a strategic platform to align Uganda’s trade architecture with its long-term economic goals. Specifically, the government aims to grow the national economy from $50 billion to a staggering $500 billion by 2040. Consequently, the event will gather diverse stakeholders at the Speke Resort Munyonyo from March 4 to March 5. Under the theme of trade-driven transformation, the ministry plans to generate actionable policy recommendations during these sessions. Furthermore, the National Trade Review Conference 2026 represents a critical milestone in the implementation of the Uganda Tenfold Growth Strategy.
To achieve these goals, the strategy relies heavily on the ATMS model. This model focuses on Agro-industrialization, Tourism, Mineral Development, and Science and Technology. Therefore, the National Trade Review Conference 2026 will prioritize these sectors to enhance value addition and export competitiveness. Participants will include roughly 350 leaders from government agencies, the private sector, and civil society. In addition to policy review, the conference will assess Uganda’s readiness to tap into global market opportunities. Because institutional coordination is vital for success, the event will facilitate deep dialogue between regional trade bodies and the media.
Another major highlight of the National Trade Review Conference 2026 is the official launch of the revised National Trade Policy. Alongside this policy, the ministry will introduce the National Export Development Strategy and a new Online Reporting Platform. These instruments are designed to modernize trade governance and lower the cost of doing business. For example, the frameworks aim to strengthen standards and sanitary compliance to improve export positioning. Moreover, the updated plan provides a structured roadmap for reform implementation across all cooperative-led trade expansions. As a result, businesses can expect a more streamlined regulatory environment in the coming years.
Anna Nambooze, the Country Director of TradeMark Africa, noted that the National Trade Review Conference 2026 comes at a pivotal moment. She explained that Uganda is finally recalibrating its trade policy after nearly two decades of using the current framework. Consequently, TradeMark Africa is supporting the event to enable integrated reforms and improve border efficiency. Besides reducing costs, these reforms aim to promote the inclusion of women and youth in the trade sector. Similarly, Nambooze emphasized that better coordination will help align national priorities with international trade standards.
Meanwhile, the ministry is calling on businesses across manufacturing, ICT, and logistics to register immediately. The National Trade Review Conference 2026 also offers an exhibition segment for enterprises to showcase their innovations. This allows brands to engage directly with policymakers and build strategic partnerships. Since space is limited, the organizers are allocating exhibition booths on a first-come, first-served basis. Additionally, the presence of UK International Development underscores the strong backing from development partners for Uganda’s growth agenda. Therefore, the conference acts as both a policy forum and a networking hub for the industrial landscape.
Finally, the National Trade Review Conference 2026 will culminate in a time-bound national communiqué and implementation matrix. This document will serve as a guide for follow-up actions and ensure accountability among all participants. By focusing on measurable outcomes, the government intends to accelerate export growth and drive inclusive economic transformation. Ultimately, this outcomes-focused approach is essential for achieving the $500 billion vision by 2040. As the registration process continues, the ministry encourages all stakeholders to contribute to shaping the future of Uganda’s trade and industrial policy.
