President Yoweri Museveni has called on the European Union to support Africa’s industrialisation agenda through increased investment in value addition, manufacturing, and technology transfer, arguing that the continent’s long-term prosperity depends on transforming its raw materials into finished products.
Speaking during celebrations marking 50 years of diplomatic relations between Uganda and the European Union, Museveni said Africa’s economic potential will remain constrained if countries continue exporting unprocessed commodities instead of building industries that create jobs and expand local wealth.
The President emphasized that while Africa possesses abundant natural resources, much of the value generated from those resources is realized elsewhere due to limited processing and manufacturing capacity. He urged European partners to view Africa not merely as a source of raw materials but as a destination for industrial investment and production.
The remarks come as Uganda and the European Union celebrate five decades of diplomatic cooperation, a partnership that has evolved from development assistance toward a stronger focus on trade, investment, infrastructure, energy, and innovation. Over the years, the EU and its member states have contributed billions of euros to projects supporting Uganda’s development agenda.
Museveni noted that industrialisation remains central to Uganda’s economic transformation strategy and is critical to creating employment opportunities for the country’s youthful population. He argued that sectors such as agriculture, minerals, and petroleum offer significant opportunities for value addition if supported by investment, technology, and access to international markets.
The President also highlighted the importance of preparing African economies for future population growth, warning that sustainable prosperity will require stronger domestic industries capable of generating income and expanding purchasing power across the continent.
European Union officials have similarly signaled a shift toward a more investment-driven partnership with Uganda. Speaking during the anniversary celebrations, EU representatives pledged continued support for infrastructure development, regional connectivity, trade facilitation, and private sector growth as Uganda pursues its Vision 2040 ambitions.
According to the EU, ongoing investments under the Global Gateway strategy are already supporting projects in transport infrastructure, energy generation, and regional trade corridors, with the aim of improving competitiveness and attracting further investment.
Vice President Jessica Alupo described the European Union as one of Uganda’s most important development and trade partners, noting that cooperation has contributed significantly to infrastructure development, education, energy, technology, and community resilience.
Trade between Uganda and the European Union has continued to grow, with agricultural exports such as coffee and fish remaining key drivers of commercial relations. Both sides expressed optimism that future cooperation would increasingly focus on investment-led growth, innovation, and industrial development.
As Uganda pushes forward with its industrialisation agenda, Museveni’s message to European partners was clear: Africa’s future prosperity will depend not only on access to global markets but also on building the factories, industries, and value chains that allow the continent to benefit fully from its own resources.
