ENTEBBE, Uganda — President Yoweri Museveni has urged European countries to support Africa’s efforts to process its raw materials locally, add value to its products and create jobs, saying the approach would strengthen trade and deliver mutual economic benefits.

Museveni made the remarks on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, while hosting European Union ambassadors led by the EU Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Jan Sadek, at State House Entebbe for a Partnership Dialogue.

The President said Europe’s cooperation with Africa should go beyond the export of raw materials to support industrialisation and the development of local production capacity.

He argued that when African countries earn more from processed products, they are better positioned to purchase European goods, creating expanded markets for businesses on both continents.

“When we earn more from our products, we also create a bigger market for European goods,” Museveni said, describing the approach as a way for both sides to become “partners in prosperity rather than victims of cooperation.”

The discussions also covered support for Uganda’s Parish Development Model (PDM), irrigation, wetland protection and access to affordable electricity for manufacturing.

Museveni highlighted the importance of affordable power in supporting industrial production, while irrigation remains a key component of efforts to strengthen agricultural productivity and reduce dependence on rainfall.

The President also called for cooperation that respects the sovereignty of both sides, arguing that Africa’s economic development would benefit Europe and the wider international community.

“Africa’s prosperity is good for everyone,” he said, adding that cooperation should be based on mutual benefit and respect for each other’s sovereignty.

The meeting comes amid Uganda’s broader efforts to attract foreign investment, expand manufacturing, promote agro-processing and increase the value of its exports as part of its economic transformation agenda.

The European Union remains an important development and economic partner for Uganda, with cooperation spanning trade, investment, agriculture, infrastructure, governance and environmental protection.

The dialogue provided an opportunity for Ugandan and European representatives to discuss areas of shared interest, including how investment and development cooperation can support productive sectors of the economy.

Museveni thanked the ambassadors for attending the meeting and said he enjoyed the extended discussions.