By KAMPALA; President Museveni has called on African leaders to prioritise industrialisation and value addition as the continent’s surest path to economic transformation and long-term prosperity.
The Official Opening of the Africa Industrialization Day was made by H.E Vice President Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo on behalf of H.E. Yoweri Museveni, President of the Republic of Uganda.
In his speech, the president noted that Uganda was pleased to host the continent’s reflections on industrialization at a time when industrial development continues to define national prosperity.
He highlighted the historical path of industrialization, citing Britain, Europe, America, Japan, the Asian Tigers, and more recently China, as examples. contrasting this with Africa’s current GDP of about USD 2.8 trillion in 2024, compared to the United States, China, and Europe. He said this gap “must be addressed by this conference.”
The President urged the continent to build “a new Africa based on production, export orientation, regional integration and innovation.”
Museveni highlighted Uganda’s progress, noting that the country has become a net exporter of many products it previously imported.
These include steel, cement, pharmaceuticals, paper, processed foods, and dairy products an achievement he attributed to deliberate government investment in industrial growth.
Despite the progress, the President pointed out persistent challenges that must be addressed for Africa to fully realise its industrial potential.
These include ideological disorientation, sectarian tendencies based on tribe and religion, poor infrastructure, high transport costs, fragmented markets, and interference with the private sector. Tackling these obstacles, he said, will unlock the continent’s capacity to compete globally.
Vice President Alupo underscored the importance of women’s empowerment in driving industrial and economic transformation. She commended the resilience and contribution of women in leadership, enterprise, and innovation.
Her message was echoed by State Minister for Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, Wilson Mbadi, who emphasised that enhanced cross-border trade would expand markets for African countries and accelerate continental integration.
Other delegates stressed the centrality of peace, security, and stability in enabling industrialisation and socio-economic development. They also applauded Uganda’s strides in gender parity, citing the Vice President and other women leaders as examples of inclusive progress.
During the event, Vice President Alupo officially inaugurated the first-ever Women’s Industrial Park in Africa, set to be hosted in Uganda. The facility is expected to provide new opportunities for female entrepreneurs, expand industrial capacity, and promote gender-responsive development.
The African Industrialisation Week concluded with a renewed continental commitment to strengthening manufacturing, unity, and innovation as engines of economic growth.
