Uganda and Nigeria have existing bilateral relations for trade and economic development.
delegation from the Nigeria National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) is seeking a partnership with Ugandan investors to introduce a scientific mobile laboratory that will, among other things, ease scientific tests carried out in schools and learning institutions in remote locations hampered by lack of equipment and infrastructure.
The delegation was hosted recently by the Uganda National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (UNCCI) to introduce “Lab without walls,” a mobile solution for calibration and testing that is already in use in Nigeria.
UNCCI President Olive Kigongo welcomed the delegation and reiterated Africa’s need to continue pursuing local solutions that will help countries build capacity for scientific studies and research.
“The laboratory consists of 110 items manufactured from the Nigerian development Institute which can perform at least 42 scientific tests needed in any lab. This project further goes on to positively impact institutions and schools with students and teachers who are unable to access scientific equipment during laboratory sessions,” said Nigerian inventor Dr Samuel Wadzani
Wadzani said Nigeria has more items that can solve more issues facing small and medium enterprises in Uganda.
“We can make the young youths out there to understand the concept of the new products on the inter-twined market,” Wadzani said.
Chief Michael Awunor from Nigeria’s National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), who led the Nigerian delegation, noted that the private sector could not succeed without support from the public sector.
Awunor indicated plans of signing a Memorandum of Understanding with UNCCI to allow more business-to-business engagements.
However, H.E Ambassador Nelson Ocheger, from the Nigerian team, said trade volumes are low between the two countries.
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“The Uganda High Commission’s responsibility to UNCCI is to promote commercial diplomacy, attract foreign direct investment to Uganda and assist with business transactions in countries like Nigeria, Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, among others. We can survive by doing business in our continent and as the Ugandan High Commission in Nigeria, you have our total support and commitment,” Mr. Ocheger said.
UNCCI, according to a Ugandan news outlet, has signed more than 300 MoUs with different countries worldwide.
There were 50 business delegates in attendance, both Ugandans and Nigerians coming from the energy, oil, IT, and agribusiness sectors.
Uganda and Nigeria have existing bilateral relations for trade and economic development.
