Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has made a passionate call for increased free movement and trade across Africa, emphasizing that these are critical tools in the fight against poverty. Speaking at a regional gathering, Museveni outlined his vision for an interconnected continent where economic collaboration replaces restrictive borders and trade barriers.
“Why Should Africans Struggle to Trade with Each Other?”
Museveni challenged African leaders to remove the bureaucratic and infrastructural obstacles that stifle trade among African nations. He argued that free movement of people and goods would unlock the continent’s economic potential and drastically reduce poverty levels.
“Africans should be able to move freely and trade with each other. This will boost our economies and provide opportunities for millions of people,” Museveni stated passionately.
He also highlighted the irony of African nations relying heavily on imports from outside the continent while intra-African trade remains alarmingly low.
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)
Museveni reiterated his support for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), a landmark agreement aimed at creating a single market for goods and services across 54 African countries. He described the AfCFTA as a “game-changer” that could drive industrialization, create jobs, and make Africa a global economic powerhouse.
“The more we trade among ourselves, the more wealth we create and the less dependent we are on external forces,” he remarked.
Infrastructure and Collaboration Are Key
While advocating for free trade, Museveni also underscored the need to invest in infrastructure, such as roads, railways, and energy projects, to support economic integration. He urged African countries to collaborate in addressing logistical and technical challenges that hinder the seamless movement of goods and people.
“Without the right infrastructure, free trade will remain a dream. We need to connect our people and our markets,” he said.
A Vision for Self-Reliance
Museveni’s call for economic unity aligns with his broader vision of a self-reliant Africa. He has long championed the idea that the continent must harness its natural resources, human capital, and entrepreneurial spirit to break free from dependency on foreign aid.
Mixed Reactions from the Public
While Museveni’s vision has drawn praise for its emphasis on unity and economic empowerment, critics have questioned whether his own government has done enough to facilitate regional trade. Others have raised concerns about political instability and corruption, which often hinder such ambitious plans.
A Call to Action
Despite these challenges, Museveni’s message is clear: Africa’s path to prosperity lies in its ability to trade freely and work together. With initiatives like the AfCFTA gaining traction, there is hope that the continent can move closer to realizing this vision of shared wealth and opportunity.
As Museveni concluded his speech, he left leaders with a rallying cry: “Let us not be prisoners of small economies. Together, we can build a prosperous Africa for all.”
Whether the continent will rise to this challenge remains to be seen, but Museveni’s call is undoubtedly a powerful reminder of what is at stake.
