Egypt-Uganda Trade Hits $139.1 Million

Bilateral trade between Egypt and Uganda recorded a total value of $139.1 million in 2024, according to a new report released by Egypt’s Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS). 

Although this figure marks a modest decline from $150.4 million in 2023, officials suggest the economic relations remains robust, with targeted sectoral growth offsetting some of the shortfalls.

Egyptian exports to Uganda reached $112.8 million in 2024, down slightly from $116.7 million in 2023, yet still dominated by key industrial and consumer goods. Leading the export list were:

Iron and steel products: $35 million

Plastics and plastic goods: $12 million

Sugar and confectionery: $8 million

Prepared cereals: $7 million

Pharmaceutical products: $6 million

These figures reflect Egypt’s strategic push to expand its industrial footprint in African markets, particularly in East Africa.

Ugandan exports to Egypt amounted to $26.3 million in 2024, compared to $33.7 million the previous year. 

The primary imports from Uganda included:

Dairy products: $10 million

Coffee, tea, and spices: $10 million

Tobacco: $6 million

The trade balance remains heavily in Egypt’s favor, highlighting the need for more diversified and value-added exports from Uganda.

The flow of remittances also saw changes in 2024. Remittances from Egyptians working in Uganda totaled $4.1 million for the fiscal year 2023/24, a slight decrease from $4.8 million in the previous year. Meanwhile, remittances from Ugandans working in Egypt rose to $1 million, up from $706,000.

Investment trends were mixed. Ugandan investments in Egypt dropped significantly to $1.9 million in FY 2023/24, compared to $8.4 million the previous year. Conversely, Egyptian investments in Uganda saw a mild uptick, rising to $3.3 million from $2.9 million.

According to CAPMAS, Egypt’s population reached 107.9 million by August 2025, while Uganda recorded a population of 51.5 million during the same period. These demographics signal potential market expansion and labor mobility opportunities between the two countries.