Museveni Urges EU Support for Africa’s Industrialization and Value Addition

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called on the European Union and Western nations to pivot their engagement with Africa toward industrialization and value addition, arguing that the continued export of unprocessed raw materials is a primary driver of the continent’s economic stagnation.

The President made these remarks on June 2, 2026, during a meeting with the European Union Ambassador to Uganda, Jan Sadek, and his delegation at State House, Entebbe. The meeting served as a briefing on the Golden Jubilee celebrations marking 50 years of partnership between Uganda and the European Union.

President Museveni acknowledged the long-term nature of the collaboration, noting that the relationship dates back to the opening of the European office in Uganda during the administration of Idi Amin in 1976.

Challenges of Raw Material Exports

During the briefing, President Museveni identified the failure of African leaders to prioritize economic transformation through value addition as the continent’s most significant challenge. He stated that the total GDP of Africa stands at “$ 3.6 trillion for a population of 1.5 billion people,” describing the figure as insufficient.

The President attributed this stagnant growth to policy errors, specifically the reliance on exporting raw materials without processing them locally.

The reason why the GDP of Africa is still stagnant is because of the policy mistakes of exporting unprocessed raw materials. What we have is a very big crime and they will pay historically because it is a betrayal. 70 years after independence, Africans are still exporting unprocessed raw materials.

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni

Museveni argued that a more prosperous Africa would serve the economic interests of both Europe and the United States, creating a more viable environment for international business.

Strategic Economic Partnership

The President appealed to the EU and the U.S. To view Africa as a strategic economic partner rather than a recipient of aid. He highlighted a complementary economic relationship where Europe provides financial capital through companies and pension funds, while Africa provides a vast, untapped market.

Museveni emphasized that Uganda is committed to industrialization policies to avoid the mistakes of the past, urging the EU to work with the country as a model for others to follow.

Beyond industrialization, the President identified infrastructure as a critical area for cooperation. He specifically mentioned the development of the meter gauge railway, noting that low transport costs for cargo, affordable electricity, and low interest rates on bank loans are essential for economic competitiveness.

Evolution of EU-Uganda Relations

Ambassador Jan Sadek congratulated President Museveni on his leadership and noted that Uganda’s global and regional influence has grown significantly since 1976. He stated that the relationship between the two entities has evolved from a donor-based model to a partnership focused on trade, investments, and the broader economy.

Trade figures reflect this shift, with trade between Uganda and the EU increasing from 500 million euros to 1.5 billion euros. Ambassador Sadek noted that many Ugandan products possess significant potential for European markets.

The Ambassador detailed several sectors where the EU currently provides support, including:

• Energy: Support for the Nalubaale and Kiira hydropower electric plants.
• Education: Plans for the upgrading and construction of approximately 200 schools, including those serving refugees.
• Creative Industries: Investment in the film industry to generate employment for young people.
• Infrastructure and Sports: Support for the Hoima Stadium in preparation for the AFCON 2027 tournament.

Ambassador Sadek reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to remaining a “reliable and predictable” partner for Uganda over the next 50 years, particularly amidst global instability.

As part of the continued expansion of the partnership, the EU announced plans to open a new office in Kampala later in 2026. During the meeting, the Ambassador also presented roasted coffee produced in Kisoro, Uganda, which he identified as one of the best-selling coffees in Europe.

On the matter of governance, President Museveni reiterated that Uganda remains committed to diplomacy and multipartism in its international and domestic affairs.