Welcome to the MICE Africa daily read for MICE Professionals doing business in Africa.
In today’s topics;
- Uganda Airlines opens up a trade corridor from Nigeria to East and Southern Africa
- Geopolitical instability forces associations to rethink strategy and governance
- Uganda Tourism Board appoints new CEO with global market vision
Uganda Airlines Launches Fast, Affordable Cargo Route: Nigeria to East/Southern Africa
Uganda Airlines has officially opened a dedicated cargo route connecting Nigeria to East and Southern Africa, bringing a much-needed boost to intra-African trade.
This new service is expected to significantly reduce the time and cost of moving goods—transforming long, complicated logistics chains into efficient, streamlined operations. For perishable goods and time-sensitive shipments, this means freshness and speed like never before.
Nigerian SMEs stand to benefit the most, especially those part of recognized business groups who will enjoy a generous 50% discount on freight pricing. This alone could shift the playing field for many small exporters who’ve long been priced out of regional markets.
The initiative also features a powerful market intelligence tool developed with the UNDP, which helps decode regional regulations and consumer trends, giving businesses better insight and fewer surprises. Beyond trade, the ripple effects for the meetings and events industry across Africa are equally promising, as moving equipment and event materials just became faster and more cost-effective.
Geopolitical Instability Threatens Associations: New Research Reveals Preparedness Gaps
Geopolitical instability is casting a long shadow over associations, with 88% of global leaders expecting it to disrupt operations. According to new research by The Hague & Partners Convention Bureau and the European Society of Association Executives, associations are feeling the squeeze from political unrest, rising populism, and tightened regulations. These pressures are complicating everything from everyday administration to core mission delivery.
Out of 99 association leaders surveyed, more than half hold senior executive or board-level roles. Despite their experience, just 13% feel fully prepared to handle current geopolitical threats, and another 14% admit to being entirely unprepared. Most respondents are somewhere in between, trying to stay ahead with limited resources and growing concern.
In response, many associations are doubling down on internal strength. A strong 81% are actively aligning their activities with their mission, while nearly two-thirds are fortifying governance structures and prioritizing board diversity. Populism remains a key concern, with 77% recognizing its influence and 30% worried about its effect on decision-making and leadership.
The African MICE industry should take this as a clear signal: better preparedness isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. With global challenges becoming increasingly local, African associations must reinforce their governance, sharpen their strategies, and stay true to mission-driven work to remain resilient in uncertain times.
Uganda Tourism Board’s New CEO: Juliana Kagwa’s Vision for Growth
Uganda’s tourism sector is stepping into a new phase with the appointment of Juliana Kagwa as the new CEO of the Uganda Tourism Board. She takes over from Lilly Ajarova, who now assumes the role of Senior Presidential Advisor after leading the Board since 2019.
Kagwa’s appointment signals more than a routine leadership change. With a strong corporate background spanning roles at Diageo, Heineken, and Uganda Breweries Limited, she brings a sharp commercial edge to the table. Her experience working across both African and international markets sets her up to navigate and elevate Uganda’s stature in the global tourism industry.
Her academic credentials back her leadership outlook, with a BSc in Food Science and Technology from Makerere University, and two MBAs from the University of Edinburgh and Heriot-Watt University. This combination of academic depth and industry breadth suggests a CEO ready to blend strategy with agility.
For event planners and business tourism operators, this is a leadership shift worth watching. With her marketing acumen and understanding of brand positioning, Kagwa may introduce moves that reshape how Uganda is experienced by business travelers and global delegates.
That’s it for today.