Africa must unite to unlock prosperity, Museveni tells Kenyan cadets
“The key to Africa’s prosperity lies in producing more goods and services, but we must also consider who buys them,” Museveni said, pointing out the mismatch between regional production and consumption patterns.
President Yoweri Museveni lectures officers at the National Defence College of Kenya in Nairobi on the importance of the East African Community. (PPU photos)
By Admin .
Journalists @New Vision
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President Yoweri Museveni has told students at Kenya’s National Defence College that economic integration and unity are the cornerstones of East Africa’s future.
In a lecture delivered to 72 students, the Ugandan leader called for deeper cooperation among East African countries and a renewed focus on regional trade and strategic security.
President Museveni giving a lecture of opportunity to officers attending a course at the National Defence College of Kenya in Nairobi on Thursday.
“The key to Africa’s prosperity lies in producing more goods and services, but we must also consider who buys them,” Museveni said, pointing out the mismatch between regional production and consumption patterns.
He said that intra-African trade remains low partly because neighbouring countries produce similar items.
“We all need each other to prosper,” he said, urging a shift toward economic complementarity.
The President made a passionate appeal for continental solidarity.
“Love Uganda because you need it. Love Kenya because you need it. Love Africa because you need it,” he said.
Museveni also discussed the importance of strategic cooperation, saying, “There is a pressing need for economic integration for Africa to prosper.”
He promoted Swahili as a practical way to strengthen unity.
“By embracing Swahili, we can create a strong unity in East Africa,” he added.
He encouraged East Africans to embrace a shared identity, or “centre of gravity”, to foster undugu (brotherhood) as a driver of collective progress.
President Museveni plants a tree seedling at the National Defence College of Kenya in Nairobi on Thursday shortly after giving a lecture of opportunity to officers undergoing a military course.
The event was attended by Kenyan government officials, including defence cabinet secretary Soipan Tuya, cooperative and MSME cabinet secretary Wycliffe Oparanya, defence permanent secretary Patrick Mariru and Lt Gen. Juma Mwinyikai, commandant of the National Defence College.
Museveni wrapped up his lecture by urging future leaders to make the most of Africa’s resources and unite behind a common cause for the betterment of all.