President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni joined African leaders at the Africa We Build Summit 2026 in Nairobi, where discussions focused on accelerating infrastructure and industrial growth across the continent.
In his opening remarks during a two-day high-level summit that commenced on April 23rd, 2026, President Museveni expressed appreciation to the hosts for convening leaders to tackle Africa’s development priorities.
“I thank H.E President William Ruto and Africa Finance Corporation for organising the Africa We Build Summit,” he said.
Speaking on Africa’s development path, Museveni emphasised that progress will depend on turning plans into real projects through unity and coordination among countries.
“The transformation of Africa requires moving priority infrastructure projects from conception to implementation through coordinated planning and regional cooperation,” President Museveni noted.
He further explained that infrastructure investment must go beyond visibility and instead strengthen the core of the economy like agriculture, tourism, and small businesses to support long-term growth and industrialisation.
“Infrastructure must strengthen what I call the bone marrow of the economy, the core systems that support industrialisation and long-term growth,” Museveni added.
Kenya’s President William Samoei Ruto reinforced the urgency of industrial growth, pointing out that Africa must act quickly to compete globally and expand manufacturing.
“We must also acknowledge that other regions have faced such challenges but overcome them… manufacturing has been stagnant at 10%. We need a way forward in terms of manufacturing and value addition,” he said.
Ruto also highlighted the importance of regional cooperation, appreciating Uganda’s role in joint infrastructure efforts, particularly in energy development.
“Mzee the same way you invested in the pipeline is the same way we are always ready to work together,” he noted.
Business leader Aliko Dangote welcomed policy steps that promote local industry and signaled private sector support for similar investments in East Africa.
