President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has reaffirmed Uganda’s readiness to host the 11th Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development (ARFSD), scheduled for April 6-11 at Speke Resort Munyonyo.
Speaking at State House, Entebbe, ahead of the conference, Museveni welcomed the opportunity to engage with African leaders and technical experts on economic transformation. He met with a delegation led by Claver Gatete, the Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), to discuss preparations for the high-level event.
“I am very happy to have a dialogue at this forum with African technical people and political leaders. We have everything we need, even with challenges like climate change. If we manage our resources well and prioritize development, Africa can achieve prosperity,” Museveni said.
Museveni emphasized that Africa has enough financial resources but struggles with mismanagement. He urged leaders to focus on infrastructure investments such as railways, electricity, and affordable financing.
“The money is there; the problem is misuse. If we control unnecessary consumption and focus on basics, we can transform our economies. With affordable labor and peace, we will move forward,” he said.
Addressing Economic Challenges
The President reflected on Africa’s economic struggles since the 1960s, criticizing past policies for neglecting key drivers of growth.
“Prosperity comes from producing and selling goods and services locally, regionally, and internationally. But for that, we need cheap electricity, affordable transport, and a skilled workforce. These fundamentals were ignored for years,” Museveni said.
He also noted that early African economists focused heavily on social services like education and health but failed to lower business costs, making investment unattractive.
“How can the economy grow if business costs remain high? China attracted investment by ensuring cheap labor and transport. Capitalists seek profits, and for that, production costs must be lower than the final product’s price,” he explained.
Government Commitment to Hosting ARFSD
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja reaffirmed Uganda’s readiness to host the forum and ensure its success.
“Your Excellency, through the cabinet, we are actively preparing for this very important meeting, and I am confident that Uganda is ready,” she said.
Gatete emphasized the need for policy reforms and regional cooperation to accelerate progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Agenda 2063.
“We are here to sign agreements and brief you on the upcoming forum, which is critical for shaping Africa’s development trajectory,” he stated.
He underscored the role of regional economic communities in strengthening Africa’s growth and noted that efforts are underway to process raw materials locally instead of exporting them.
“We have been working closely with the African Union to implement strategies that add value to Africa’s resources and develop final products here. This is key to industrialization,” Gatete said.
The forum is expected to bring together policymakers, economists, and development experts to discuss Africa’s economic future and strategies for sustainable development.
Also present at the meeting were Justine Kasule Lumumba, Minister for General Duties in the Office of the Prime Minister, and Henry Oryem Okello, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.