President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has urged African nations and the wider Global South to focus on economic empowerment, industrialization, and human resource development as essential drivers of prosperity for both continents and the world.
He made these remarks on while chairing the 19th Ministerial Meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Coordinating Bureau at Speke Resort Munyonyo, under the theme: “Deepening Cooperation for Shared Global Affluence.”
“Once there is an advance in the control of nature through science, we should be very happy, and there should be no conflict. I do not see why anybody would worry that countries X, B, and C have emerged from poverty and are more prosperous,” President Museveni said.
“If you want to do business, why do you want to do business with a poor partner? Prosperity benefits all,” he added.
Museveni highlighted Africa’s untapped economic potential, noting that raising GDP per capita would not only enrich the continent but also benefit global trading partners.
“If Africa’s GDP per capita was $20,000, we would have a total GDP of about $30 trillion. At $25,000, it would reach $45 trillion. That would make Africa richer and benefit our partners because we would buy more from them,” the President explained.
The President emphasized the importance of industrialization, technology transfer, and science-driven development across African nations to achieve equitable global affluence.
He pointed to China’s economic transformation as an example of how industrial growth can make critical materials, such as steel and technology, more accessible to developing nations like Uganda.
Addressing NAM members, Museveni called for a focus on mutually beneficial trade, investment, and tourism, stressing that leadership should be exercised through example rather than coercion.
He also warned that attempts to suppress social and economic progress are ultimately counterproductive.
Representatives from the United Nations and the African Union praised Uganda’s leadership within NAM and highlighted the importance of South-South cooperation in reforming global governance.
Ambassador Musa Mohamed Omar, representing the African Union Commission, encouraged African nations to align efforts with frameworks such as the G77 plus China to strengthen their influence in the global economy.
President Museveni reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to NAM principles of equality, unity, and cooperation, noting that a prosperous Africa can serve as a cornerstone for a more equitable and stable global order.
Founded in 1961, the Non-Aligned Movement represents over 55% of the global population and two-thirds of UN member states, continuing to provide a platform for developing nations to advocate for sovereignty, cooperation, and shared economic growth.
President Museveni’s message highlighted the continued importance of the Non-Aligned Movement in today’s global economy.
As the world faces shifting power dynamics, he urged developing nations to unite around industrial growth, innovation, and cooperation, turning shared challenges into opportunities for collective prosperity.
