Yokohama, Japan — Uganda’s President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called for deeper collaboration between African governments, development partners, and the private sector to drive transformative growth across the continent.
His remarks were delivered by Vice President Jessica Alupo at the ongoing 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD-9) in Yokohama, Japan this afternoon.
President Museveni underscored the importance of strategic investment in human capital, technology, artificial intelligence (AI), ICT, and infrastructure development to unlock Africa’s full potential.
He stressed the critical role of the private sector in Africa’s progress.
“The private sector contributes the highest percentage to Africa’s production, employment, revenue, investment, and credit. As we co-create innovative solutions, we must create an enabling environment for its growth,” he noted.
While acknowledging the presence of a Business Expo and Forum at TICAD-9, Museveni also raised concern over the declining levels of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to Africa.
He encouraged participants to explore alternative financing models that support Africa’s development goals.
The President highlighted Uganda’s focused development agenda, which centers on agro-industrialization, tourism, mineral development, infrastructure, and science, technology, and innovation (STI) as key pillars for national transformation.
Referring to resolutions from TICAD-8, Museveni reiterated the importance of investing in food security, sustainable agriculture, quality education, and healthcare, as essential building blocks for Africa’s future.
He further applauded the African Union Commission (AUC) for promoting home-grown solutions, especially the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which he said should be fast-tracked to ensure Africa’s competitive integration into the global economy.
We appreciate Japan’s continued partnership with Africa and Uganda in particular. Uganda fully supports the TICAD-9 Declaration and remains committed to contributing to global prosperity,” Museveni concluded.
