President Museveni Calls for Greater Value Addition and Innovation
President
@KagutaMuseveni has called on Uganda and Africa to move away from dependence on the export of raw materials and instead focus on value addition, industrialisation, knowledge and innovation.
The message was delivered through the Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, Hon. Sanjay Tanna,(
@SanjayTanna444 )during the 32nd Uganda International Trade Fair at UMA-Lugogo.
The President identified key areas for strengthening domestic production, including agro-processing, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, steel, copper, fertilisers, vaccines, diagnostics, automobiles and electronics.
He also emphasised the growing importance of the knowledge economy, noting that Africa must increasingly develop products based on skills, intellect and innovation, alongside adding value to its raw materials.
President Museveni said the 32nd Uganda International Trade Fair should demonstrate Uganda’s ambition to become a production hub, rather than primarily a market for imported goods.
He commended the Uganda Manufacturers Association, manufacturers, traders and innovators participating in the trade fair for their contribution to local production, industrialisation, employment and wealth creation.
The 32nd Uganda International Trade Fair therefore brought together private-sector players to showcase Uganda’s productive capacity while highlighting the importance of value addition, local sourcing, industrialisation and innovation.