East African Alliance: Uganda and Kenya Boost Tourism, Trade at Mombasa Summit

The fifth annual Uganda-Kenya Coast Tourism and Innovation Summit recently concluded in Mombasa, marking a pivotal moment for regional tourism development and private-sector collaboration in East Africa. Held on October 26 and 27, 2026, the summit gathered government officials, tour operators, technology innovators, and investors from both nations with the shared goal of identifying and capitalizing on new opportunities within the travel sector.

A significant outcome of the summit was the formalization of three crucial memoranda of understanding (MoUs) between leading private-sector organizations from Uganda and Kenya. The Association of Uganda Tour Operators partnered with the Kenya Association of Tour Operators to foster sustainable tourism and enhance regional cooperation. Similarly, the Uganda Association of Travel Agents and the Kenya Association of Travel Agents established a framework aimed at stimulating innovation, attracting investment, encouraging youth participation, and promoting regional integration through the Uganda-Kenya Coast Tourism Collaboration. The third agreement saw the Private Sector Foundation Uganda and the Mombasa chapter of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry commit to boosting trade, investment, and overall private-sector cooperation between the neighboring countries. Organizers lauded these agreements as a strategic shift towards concrete policy action and measurable results, moving beyond traditional promotional efforts.

The summit's theme, “Unlocking Tourism Opportunities: Resolving Policy Bottlenecks through Technology, Youth and Seamless Mobility across East Africa,” guided discussions toward practical solutions and enhanced cross-border collaboration. Specific targets included the launch of at least two digital tourism prototypes ready for commercial investment and the creation of a minimum of ten new business-to-business links between Ugandan and Kenyan coastal operators, with progress to be monitored over the subsequent three months.

Policy reform was a central agenda item, specifically targeting a review of Article 104 of the East African Community (EAC) Treaty, which governs the free movement of people, labor, and services within the region. By addressing existing barriers to cross-border travel, the summit aims to facilitate smoother movement for both travelers and businesses between Uganda and Kenya. Government representatives are expected to sign a joint declaration for submission to the EAC Secretariat, with a follow-up communiqué detailing institutional commitments and deadlines to be reviewed at the 2027 summit.

Recent statistics underscore the growing importance of cross-border travel between the two nations. The Uganda Tourism Board reported an increase in Kenyan arrivals in Uganda from 466,902 in 2024 to 519,041 in 2025. Concurrently, Kenya welcomed 234,556 Ugandan visitors in 2025 and aims for 300,000 this year, positioning Uganda as one of its largest source markets. This upward trend is attributed to successful joint marketing initiatives and the appeal of combined travel experiences.

Ambassador Herbert Kiguli, Uganda’s Consul General in Mombasa, highlighted a new, collaborative approach to destination marketing. Instead of direct competition, Uganda and Kenya are now jointly promoting their attractions as a combined package under the innovative “Beach to Bush, Bush to Beach” concept. This strategy aims to seamlessly link Kenya’s coastal attractions with Uganda’s rich natural and cultural heritage, thereby creating more diverse and appealing itineraries for visitors and maximizing mutual benefits for both countries.

Government officials reaffirmed their dedication to supporting the private sector and removing obstacles to growth. Ambassador Charles Ssentongo, representing Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, detailed ongoing efforts to resolve trade barriers through the Uganda-Kenya Joint Permanent Commission and emphasized the need for practical, time-bound solutions. He identified tourism as a critical pillar in Uganda’s Ten-Fold Growth Strategy, which seeks to expand the national economy from $50 billion to $500 billion by 2040, alongside sectors such as agriculture, minerals, and science, technology, and innovation. Uganda’s Minister of State for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Susan Nakawuki Nsambu, underscored the importance of transforming partnerships into enduring business relationships and encouraged the inclusion of ministry officials in familiarization trips to enhance policy coordination. Uganda’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs, Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, delivered a keynote address advocating for formal cooperation frameworks, business-friendly policies, improved transport infrastructure, and enhanced visitor safety, emphasizing that tourism cooperation should empower local communities, protect natural resources, and create sustainable economic opportunities.

The summit was preceded by a six-day familiarization tour of the Kenyan coast, involving over 70 Ugandan tour operators, travel agents, hoteliers, and Uganda Tourism Board officials. Looking forward, both nations plan to leverage the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania will co-host, as a major platform to attract a larger influx of visitors and showcase the region’s expansive tourism potential. Launched in 2022, the summit is now a foundational element of Uganda’s Economic and Commercial Diplomacy Strategy for 2025/26 to 2029/30, which mandates the country’s missions abroad to actively promote exports, investment, and tourism. As the region transitions from dialogue to tangible action, the agreements and initiatives forged in Mombasa are poised to significantly shape the future of East African tourism, opening new avenues for continental growth and prosperity.