Uganda Turns to DRC as Alternative Market to Troubled South Sudan

{{Uganda’s Trade minister Amelia Kyambadde has disclosed that the government is preparing to negotiate with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) over the possibility of the two neighbouring countries furthering their trade ties.}}

According to Ms Kyambadde, the talks are intended to pave way for more penetration of Uganda’s exports into the large DRC market, thereby reducing reliance on the troubled South Sudan.

Speaking during the opening of the Trade Facilitation Expo on Friday, Ms Kyambadde said the talks will be held in the next two months so that traders and manufacturers, especially those affected by the South Sudan civil war can take refuge in the large DRC market as the situation in South Sudan stabilises.

{{Talks due in September}}

The minister said: “We will hold talks with the government of DR Congo in September to broker a deal with the authority to make the DRC market our trade destination.”