President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has urged European countries to support Africa in processing its raw materials locally, arguing that value addition would create jobs, increase earnings and expand markets for European products.
Museveni made the remarks on Wednesday, October 14, during a meeting with European Union ambassadors led by the EU Ambassador to Uganda, Jan Sadek, at State House Entebbe.
The meeting was held under the EU-Uganda Partnership Dialogue, where the two sides discussed economic cooperation, agricultural development, environmental protection and access to affordable electricity for manufacturing.
In his remarks, Museveni called for a shift in the relationship between Africa and Europe, saying cooperation should deliver economic benefits to both regions rather than leave African countries dependent on exporting unprocessed commodities.
“I emphasised that Europe should support Africa to process its raw materials, add value and create jobs,” Museveni said.
He argued that Africa's ability to manufacture products from its natural resources would increase the value of its exports while strengthening purchasing power across the continent.
According to the Ugandan leader, higher earnings from processed goods would also enable African countries to purchase more products from European markets, creating opportunities for businesses on both sides.
“When we earn more from our products, we also create a bigger market for European goods,” he said, adding that the arrangement would allow the two regions to become “partners in prosperity rather than victims of cooperation.”
Museveni's remarks come amid broader discussions about Africa's position in global trade, particularly calls for countries on the continent to reduce reliance on exporting raw materials and instead develop industries that generate higher returns.
The president also highlighted several areas where European support could contribute to Uganda's development priorities.
These included the Parish Development Model (PDM), a government programme aimed at moving households into the money economy, as well as irrigation to improve agricultural production.
Wetland protection and affordable electricity for manufacturing were also discussed during the engagement.
Museveni has repeatedly emphasised industrialisation, agricultural modernisation and electricity access as key components of Uganda's economic transformation agenda.
He maintained that cooperation between Africa and Europe should be guided by shared economic interests and respect for national sovereignty.
“Africa’s prosperity is good for everyone, and our cooperation should be based on mutual benefit and respect for each other’s sovereignty,” he said.
The president thanked the EU ambassadors for attending the meeting, noting that he had enjoyed the extended discussions.
The statement did not disclose specific agreements reached or financial commitments made by the European Union following the dialogue.