At the We Build Summit 2026,President Yoweri Museveni delivered a compelling message urging African nations to rethink their approach to development. He emphasized that the continent’s progress will depend not just on financial investment, but on deeper structural changes driven by ideology, discipline, and strategic coordination among nations.
Museveni noted that despite Africa’s vast natural resources, its overall economic output remains relatively low. He argued that this gap reflects long-standing challenges such as limited value addition, fragmented markets, and weak industrial capacity. According to the President, addressing these issues requires a unified continental vision that prioritizes production and self-sufficiency.
A key theme of his address was the importance of value addition. Museveni stressed that exporting raw materials without processing them locally continues to deny African economies the full benefits of their resources. By investing in industries that transform raw materials into finished goods, countries can create jobs, increase revenues, and strengthen their economic independence.
The summit also highlighted growing regional cooperation, particularly between Uganda and Kenya. William Ruto revealed that Museveni had expressed interest in investing in Kenya’s oil pipeline, signaling a commitment to shared infrastructure and mutual economic growth. In response, Ruto affirmed Kenya’s willingness to invest in Uganda’s planned refinery, underscoring a spirit of partnership.
Adding to the momentum, industrialist Aliko Dangote pledged support for the refinery project, stating that he would be willing to build a facility similar to the one established in Nigeria if both governments commit to the initiative. His remarks reinforced the role of private sector investment in driving large-scale industrial projects across the continent.
Overall, the discussions at the summit painted a picture of a continent at a crossroads, with leaders and investors increasingly aligned on the need for collaboration and long-term planning. Museveni’s call for unity, discipline, and value addition resonated strongly, setting the tone for what many hope will be a new chapter of sustainable and inclusive growth for Africa.
