Lagos, Nigeria | THE BLACK EXAMINER | Uganda’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Nelson Ocheger, has encouraged Nigerian investors to utilize the direct flights offered by Uganda Airlines to invest in Uganda. He highlighted the numerous opportunities for trade, investment, and industrialization in Uganda, including agro-processing, social services, mineral exploration, ICT, and infrastructure development. Ambassador Ocheger emphasized Uganda’s economic growth and stability, as well as its business-friendly environment.

Uganda Airlines recently launched its maiden direct flight from Entebbe to Lagos, Nigeria. The direct flights between the two countries are seen as crucial for enhancing trade and investment opportunities.

The introduction of direct flights is expected to boost intra-Africa trade, which currently stands at just 14%, according to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is expected to increase intra-Africa air cargo and passenger travel, and Uganda is working to expand its network into Nigeria.

The direct flight from Entebbe to Lagos is part of Uganda Airlines’ expansion efforts, which have included the addition of various destinations in the region and around the world.

The collaboration between Uganda and Nigeria to initiate and coordinate efforts to review and implement the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) has paved the way for this direct flight route. This initiative aligns with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ policy of pursuing Commercial and Economic Diplomacy to strengthen bilateral trade and investment and promote economic growth through direct air connectivity.

Trade between Uganda and Nigeria has already been on the rise, with significant exports of agricultural products, machinery, and chemical products. Efforts are also underway to enhance technical cooperation and collaboration between aviation training institutions in Uganda and Nigeria.