By Joseph Mary Buwule
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called on the European Union and other international partners to support Africa’s industrialization and value-addition agenda, arguing that sustainable prosperity on the continent depends on transforming raw materials into finished products.
The President made the remarks on Tuesday during a meeting with the European Union Ambassador to Uganda, Jan Sadek, and his delegation at State House Entebbe.
The meeting focused on reflecting on five decades of cooperation and partnership between Uganda and the European Union, a relationship President Museveni described as long-standing and beneficial to both sides.
“I welcomed this long-standing collaboration and emphasized the need for Europe and other partners to support Africa’s industrialization and value-addition agenda,” President Museveni said.
He noted that Africa cannot continue exporting raw materials while importing finished products if it is to achieve meaningful economic transformation and improved livelihoods for its people.
According to the President, value addition, industrialization, and infrastructure development are critical pillars for unlocking Africa’s vast economic potential and creating jobs for the continent’s growing population.
Museveni further argued that a wealthier and more prosperous Africa would not only benefit Africans but would also create new opportunities for business, investment, and trade with Europe and other global partners.
“A richer and more prosperous Africa is good for business, investment, and trade for both our continents,” he said.
The President encouraged European partners to work closely with African countries in promoting industries that process local raw materials into finished products, thereby increasing export earnings, reducing dependency on imports, and strengthening regional economies.
Uganda and the European Union have maintained strong diplomatic and development cooperation over the past 50 years, with the EU remaining one of Uganda’s key partners in trade, infrastructure development, governance, education, and other sectors.
The discussions at State House highlighted the importance of deepening this partnership while aligning future cooperation with Africa’s aspirations for industrial growth, economic self-reliance, and sustainable development.