Uganda and Kenya are seeking to unlock investment and business opportunities in tourism, technology and innovation while addressing barriers to seamless movement across East Africa.
The agenda will feature at the fifth Uganda–Kenya Coast Tourism and Innovation Summit, scheduled for Oct. 26–27 at Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa in Mombasa. The summit will bring together government, tourism, technology, investment and private-sector representatives from the two countries.
Held under the theme, “Unlocking Tourism Opportunities: Resolving Policy Bottlenecks through Technology, Youth and Seamless Mobility across East Africa,” the summit will focus on practical solutions to policy and operational challenges affecting tourism and cross-border business.
Technology and youth innovation will be central to the discussions, with digital solutions expected to be showcased alongside opportunities in tourism investment, smart destinations and connectivity.
“This Summit reflects the strength of the partnership Uganda has built with our friends on the Kenya Coast over the past five years. As we mark ten years of the Consulate’s presence in Mombasa, we are moving beyond dialogue to concrete, action-oriented cooperation, particularly in harnessing technology and youth innovation to unlock the full potential of tourism between our two countries,” said Amb. Herbert Kiguli, Consul General of the Republic of Uganda in Mombasa.
Since 2022, more than 450 stakeholders have participated in the Uganda–Kenya Coast familiarisation programme, helping tourism operators build relationships and promote complementary destinations across the two markets.
Regional mobility will also be a key focus, with participants examining challenges affecting tourism and business travel under Article 104 of the East African Community Treaty, which provides for the progressive removal of restrictions on the movement of persons, labour and services.
Easing such barriers could support cross-border tourism, investment and commercial activity by making it easier for tourists, businesses and service providers to operate across the region.
“Mombasa County is proud to welcome this Summit as a platform that puts our tourism offering firmly on the regional stage. We see real value in deepening ties with Uganda, particularly in opening up smart, tech-enabled and youth-driven approaches to tourism that benefit both our destinations,” said Hon. Mohammed Osman, County Executive Committee Member for Tourism, Mombasa County.
The summit will feature policy discussions, innovation showcases and business-to-business engagements and is expected to produce a Summit Communiqué outlining priorities and timelines for follow-up.
The event also marks the fifth annual engagement between the Ugandan Consulate and Kenya Coast stakeholders and coincides with the 10th anniversary of the Consulate’s active presence in Mombasa.
The organizers say the summit will contribute to East African integration by positioning tourism, innovation, technology and seamless mobility as drivers of investment and regional economic growth.