ENTEBBE, Uganda — President Yoweri Museveni has urged African countries to strengthen production, value addition and economic integration, saying the continent’s prosperity depends on expanding markets for its goods and services.
Museveni made the remarks at State House Entebbe on Thursday, July 16, 2026, while delivering a Lecture of Opportunity to student officers from the War College of Mali.
The President said Africa must move beyond exporting raw materials and instead develop industries capable of producing finished goods, creating employment and retaining more wealth on the continent.
He noted that economic integration would provide African producers with larger markets, making industries more profitable and strengthening the continent’s position in the global economy.
Museveni also emphasised the need for Africa to develop the capacity to protect its interests across all strategic domains, including land, air, sea and space.
He said strong defence capabilities must be supported by Pan-Africanism, patriotism and a commitment to finding African solutions to African problems.
The engagement forms part of efforts to strengthen military cooperation, strategic thinking and the exchange of knowledge between Uganda and Mali.
