Uganda’s Defence Minister Kiryowa Kiwanuka has called on African countries to prioritise local processing of raw materials and strengthen regional markets, saying the continent must retain more value from its natural resources.
Defence Minister Kiryowa Kiwanuka has urged African countries to process their natural resources locally instead of exporting raw materials, arguing that the continent must retain more wealth to improve citizens’ livelihoods and reduce dependence on foreign markets.
Kiwanuka made the call on October 24, 2026, while representing President Yoweri Museveni at the 12th Tana High-Level Forum on Security in Africa in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia.
He was speaking during a panel discussion titled “From the Margins to the Centre: Building an African Model for Peace and Sovereignty in an Age of Geopolitical Rivalry”, which brought together African leaders and policymakers to examine the relationship between economic independence, regional integration and continental security.
“Development must lead to individual wealth creation, not just infrastructure,” Kiwanuka said, calling for greater patriotism and policies that ensure Africa’s resources benefit its people.
He cited Uganda’s historical copper industry as an example of the challenges associated with exporting raw materials and subsequently importing processed products for domestic use.
“We must prioritise local value addition and stop the loss of value through raw material exports,” he said, adding that African countries should strengthen their internal markets to absorb more of the continent’s production.
Kiwanuka argued that processing resources within Africa would help create wealth locally while reducing reliance on external markets.
The discussions at the forum also highlighted the need for countries to coordinate national resource policies with regional initiatives to achieve broader economic and security objectives.
The three-day forum, held from October 23 to 25, brought together African heads of state and government, ministers, security experts and other stakeholders to discuss challenges affecting peace and stability across the continent.
Opening the forum, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said African countries needed greater control over the financing and implementation of continental initiatives to strengthen their influence in global affairs.
He linked security to economic sovereignty, citing external pressures such as fluctuating fuel and freight prices, which affect African economies and households.
Abiy also emphasised African-led mediation and respect for peace agreements as essential elements in maintaining regional stability.
The forum’s discussions examined how debt vulnerabilities, dependence on external markets and unequal participation in global value chains can undermine public welfare and contribute to instability.
Participants also considered the need for an integrated African market and digital infrastructure that can expand economic opportunities while reducing technological dependence, cyber threats and cross-border illicit activities.
The forum was held under the broader theme of finding African-led approaches to peace and sovereignty amid intensifying geopolitical competition.
Its deliberations are expected to contribute to discussions on strengthening regional cooperation and the financial and operational independence of African institutions.