President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called for a fundamental ideological transformation across Africa, arguing that the continent’s economic challenges stem more from strategic misalignment than lack of resources.
Speaking at the Africa We Build Summit organized by the Africa Finance Corporation and hosted by William Ruto, Museveni said Africa must rethink its development approach to unlock its full potential.
He noted that despite abundant natural resources and a large population, Africa’s GDP remains relatively low—around $3.6 trillion—compared to global economic powers. Drawing lessons from China’s transformation, Museveni highlighted the role of discipline, long-term vision, and strategic investment in driving rapid development.
“The problem is not lack of money, but ideological disorientation,” Museveni said, urging African leaders to adopt a more coordinated and focused approach to development.
He emphasized the need to tackle structural bottlenecks collectively, including weak state institutions, fragmented markets, limited value addition, poor infrastructure, and underinvestment in human capital.
Reflecting on similar views he shared a decade ago during the Tokyo International Conference on African Development, Museveni reiterated that addressing these priorities is key to achieving sustainable growth.
He concluded that with the right ideological direction and policy focus, Africa can accelerate its economic transformation and secure long-term prosperity.
