Uganda’s Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja has called on African nations to take charge of their development agenda, emphasising value addition, industrialisation, and strategic independence during a keynote address at the Harvard Business School Africa Business Conference in the United States.

Speaking at the high-profile gathering over the weekend, Nabbanja underscored the importance of Africa defining its own development path and shaping global narratives, rather than relying on externally driven models. She stressed that the continent must lead in sectors where it holds natural advantages, positioning itself as a competitive force in the global economy.

The Prime Minister highlighted Uganda and the wider African continent as some of the most compelling investment destinations globally, citing abundant natural resources, rapidly growing markets, and expanding digital ecosystems. According to Nabbanja, these factors present a strong foundation for sustained economic growth and increased investor confidence.

A central theme of her address was the urgent need for value addition to raw materials as a pathway to industrialisation. She noted that exporting unprocessed resources has historically limited Africa’s economic potential, and that shifting towards manufacturing and processing would create jobs, increase export earnings, and drive long-term development.

Nabbanja further revealed that Uganda is actively implementing policies aimed at attracting investment and supporting industrial growth. These include efforts to lower the cost of electricity and labour, as well as major investments in transport infrastructure such as railway networks and water transport systems. Improving efficiency in these areas will reduce production costs and enhance the country’s competitiveness in regional and global markets.

The Prime Minister also called for greater unity among African nations, stating that the continent must present a cohesive front in global engagements. She emphasised that achieving meaningful progress will require strategic clarity, confidence, and collaboration across borders.

Her remarks come at a time when African economies are increasingly seeking sustainable and self-driven growth models, with a growing focus on industrialisation, innovation, and regional integration. Nabbanja’s message reinforces Uganda’s commitment to positioning itself as a key player in Africa’s economic transformation and a hub for investment and industrial development.