• Miscellaneous

Uganda and Kenya Forge New Tourism, Trade and Innovation Ties at Mombasa Summit Uganda and Kenya Forge New Tourism, Trade and Innovation Ties at Mombasa Summit

The fifth edition of the Uganda-Kenya Coast Tourism and Innovation Summit has concluded in Mombasa, marking a significant step forward in regional tourism and private-sector collaboration. Held on 26 and 27 October 2026, the summit brought together government officials, tour operators, technology innovators and investors from both countries, all focused on unlocking new opportunities for East Africa’s travel sector.

One of the summit’s most notable achievements was the signing of three memoranda of understanding (MoUs) between leading Ugandan and Kenyan private-sector bodies. The Association of Uganda Tour Operators and the Kenya Association of Tour Operators formalised a partnership to promote sustainable tourism and regional cooperation across East Africa. Meanwhile, the Uganda Association of Travel Agents and the Kenya Association of Travel Agents agreed on a framework to drive innovation, investment, youth participation and regional integration through the Uganda-Kenya Coast Tourism Collaboration. The third MoU, between the Private Sector Foundation Uganda and the Mombasa chapter of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, aims to boost trade, investment and private-sector cooperation between the two neighbours.

Organisers described the signing of these agreements as a shift from traditional tourism promotion towards policy action and measurable results. The summit’s theme, “Unlocking Tourism Opportunities: Resolving Policy Bottlenecks through Technology, Youth and Seamless Mobility across East Africa,” set the tone for discussions that prioritised practical solutions and cross-border collaboration. Delegates also targeted the launch of at least two digital tourism prototypes ready for commercial investment and the creation of at least ten new business-to-business links between Ugandan and Kenyan coastal operators, with progress to be tracked over the next three months.

Policy reform was high on the agenda, with plans to review Article 104 of the East African Community (EAC) Treaty. This article governs the free movement of people, labour and services within the region. By identifying and addressing barriers to cross-border travel, the summit aims to make it easier for travellers and businesses to move seamlessly between Uganda and Kenya. Government representatives are expected to sign a joint declaration for submission to the EAC Secretariat, with a follow-up communiqué outlining institutional commitments and deadlines to be reviewed at the 2027 summit.

Recent statistics highlight the growing importance of cross-border travel between the two countries. According to the Uganda Tourism Board, Kenyan arrivals in Uganda increased from 466,902 in 2024 to 519,041 in 2025. Kenya, for its part, welcomed 234,556 Ugandan visitors in 2025 and is targeting 300,000 this year, making Uganda one of its largest source markets. This upward trend reflects the success of joint marketing efforts and the appeal of combined travel experiences.

Ambassador Herbert Kiguli, Uganda’s Consul General in Mombasa, emphasised a new approach to destination marketing. Rather than competing, Uganda and Kenya are now promoting their attractions as a combined package under the “Beach to Bush, Bush to Beach” concept. This strategy connects Kenya’s coastal offerings with Uganda’s rich natural and cultural heritage, creating more diverse and attractive itineraries for visitors and maximising benefits for both countries.

Government officials reiterated their commitment to supporting the private sector and removing obstacles to growth. Ambassador Charles Ssentongo, representing Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, highlighted ongoing efforts to resolve trade barriers through the Uganda-Kenya Joint Permanent Commission and called for practical, time-bound solutions. He identified tourism as a key pillar in Uganda’s Ten-Fold Growth Strategy, which aims to expand the national economy from \$50 billion to \$500 billion by 2040, alongside agriculture, minerals, and science, technology and innovation.

Uganda’s Minister of State for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Susan Nakawuki Nsambu, stressed the importance of turning partnerships into lasting business relationships. She encouraged organisers of familiarisation trips to include ministry officials to improve policy coordination and ensure that agreements translate into real opportunities for the sector. Uganda’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs, Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, delivered a keynote address calling for formal cooperation frameworks, business-friendly policies, improved transport infrastructure and enhanced visitor safety. She urged that tourism cooperation should empower local communities, protect natural resources and create sustainable economic opportunities.

The summit followed a six-day familiarisation tour of the Kenyan coast by over 70 Ugandan tour operators, travel agents, hoteliers and Uganda Tourism Board officials. Looking ahead, both countries are preparing to leverage the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania will co-host, as a platform to attract even more visitors and showcase the region’s tourism potential.

Launched in 2022, the summit is now a cornerstone of Uganda’s Economic and Commercial Diplomacy Strategy for 2025/26 to 2029/30, which tasks the country’s missions abroad with promoting exports, investment and tourism. As the region moves from dialogue to action, the agreements and initiatives forged in Mombasa are set to shape the future of East African tourism, offering new opportunities for the continent grow and thrive.