Uganda and the European Union will seek to deepen investment and business partnerships in renewable energy when government officials, investors, financial institutions and private-sector representatives meet in Kampala next week.
The Renewable Energy Conference and Expo 2026 (REC 2026) will run from October 19 to 22 at Kampala Serena Hotel, with the fifth Uganda-EU Business Forum scheduled for October 20 and 21.
The forum will focus on attracting investment, developing technology partnerships and mobilising financing for renewable energy and green industrialisation under the EU’s Global Gateway Strategy.
Organisers say the meetings will provide a platform for European and Ugandan businesses to identify commercially viable projects and connect with potential investors, financiers and government agencies.
The discussions will cover hydropower, geothermal energy, energy infrastructure and the use of renewable energy to power industries. Participants will also explore financing arrangements to help move projects from potential to implementation. The forum comes amid expanding trade between Uganda and the EU.
Uganda’s exports to the European bloc rose from 377 million euros in 2015 to 1.8 billion euros in 2025, while the country recorded a trade surplus of approximately 950 million euros with the EU last year, according to the organisers.
The programme will include business-to-business, business-to-government and business-to-finance engagements, alongside matchmaking sessions, exhibitions, project pitches and investment discussions.
Energy and Mineral Development Minister Monica Musenero Masanza said Uganda’s energy transition would require investment and technology alongside infrastructure development.
“Uganda’s transition to a modern, productive and sustainable energy system for national transformation requires more than infrastructure; it requires investment, innovation, technology and strong partnerships,” Musenero said.
She said the conference and business forum would connect the country’s renewable energy ambitions with investors, financiers and businesses, with the aim of supporting industrial growth, employment and economic development.
European Union Ambassador to Uganda Jan Sadek said partnerships between government, businesses and international financiers would be important in unlocking the country’s renewable energy potential.“Through the Global Gateway strategy, the European Union is working with Ugandan and regional partners to bring together public institutions, development finance and private capital to unlock sustainable investment,” Sadek said.
He said the Uganda-EU Business Forum would connect European expertise, technology and investment with Uganda’s development priorities and help turn potential projects into investment opportunities.
Private Sector Foundation Uganda Chief Executive Officer Stephen Asiimwe said the transition to renewable energy could create opportunities for businesses to invest, innovate and support industrial development.
“Through REC 2026 and the Uganda–EU Business Forum, businesses will have an opportunity to engage with government, investors and development partners, build strategic partnerships and identify practical solutions that can expand access to clean energy,” Asiimwe said.
The forum is being implemented through the EU-Uganda Business Hub and co-organised by the European Union, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development and the Private Sector Foundation Uganda, in collaboration with other partners.
The meetings are expected to strengthen Uganda-EU economic cooperation and promote investment, technology transfer and financing in renewable energy and related sectors-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
