The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has surpassed Kenya to become Uganda's top export market, according to data from the Bank of Uganda. The Middle Eastern nation accounted for 25.66% of Uganda's total export earnings, with exports valued at $2.03 billion.

The significant shift in Uganda's export market is largely driven by the country's gold exports, which have seen a substantial increase in recent years. India follows closely behind the UAE, with exports worth $951.8 million, while Kenya drops to third position with exports valued at $626.7 million.

This development marks a significant change in Uganda's trade dynamics, as Kenya and Tanzania have traditionally been the country's main trading partners. The data from the Observatory of Economic Complexity (OEC) also reveals that Uganda's top exports include gold, coffee, fish, raw sugar, and cocoa beans, with the UAE, India, Hong Kong, Kenya, and Italy being the major export destinations.

The implications of this shift are significant for startups and businesses operating in the region, as it highlights the growing importance of the UAE as a key market for African exports. As Uganda's exports to the UAE continue to grow, it presents opportunities for entrepreneurs and businesses to tap into this lucrative market.