Uganda’s Trade Minister Bahati opens the Africa Industrial Week with a call to minimize the cost of electricity, credit and transport

Africa Industrialization Day (AID) was first declared during the 25th Ordinary Session of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) in 1989, when Heads of State and Government recognized that industrialization is central to Africa’s economic independence, competitiveness, and resilience. 

Uganda together with partners organized a week long activities under The Africa Industrialization week attracting over 500 delegates, 200 of them from across Africa and beyond powered by the African Union.

The theme of the week is: “Transforming Africa’s Economy through sustainable Industrialization, regional integration and innovation”

Hon David Bahati 

While opening the week’s activities on M9nday 17th November 2015 at Speke Resort Munyonyo , Kampala, the Minister of State for Trade, Industry & Cooperatives David Bahati said that for African countries to achieve proper growth there a need to establish mechanism of reducing the high cost of capital, transport, and electricity. 

 “We are glad that in Easy Africa we considered the reduction of transport costs from the coast through the construction of the standard gauge Railway, Kenya started on it and in UGA da we are going to start from there and complete to Uganda’s side to transport goods” he said

He also says there should me an ammendment in procurement laws that are responsible for delays in starting up several projects.

 “Africa’s industrial future is now dependent on women-led initiatives, youth innovation, and sustainable industrial models” he said

He said that President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is expected to headline the week as Chief Host.

Minister Bahati (M) with GAIN Country Director Damalie Ssali (L) at their booth, flanked Sarah Kagingo Vice Chairperson Private Sector Foundation Ugand -PSFU

Among the activities of the week is an exhibition of different African brands dominated by women led Organisations including Global Alliance on inclusive nutrition (GAIN), SAMZ, among others 

Africa contributes 10.4% to continental GDP with just 2% of global manufacturing, yet with 1.25B people today, and 2.5B by 2030, the potential is enormous.

Uganda’s progress is remarkable: from 81 factories in 1986 to nearly 10,000 today, with manufacturing contributing 15.6% of GDP and exports worth $10.6B.

The Africa Industrial Days serves as a continental platform to celebrate Africa’s progress in advancing industrial development while reflecting on the challenges that continue to shape the continent’s path toward inclusive and sustainable transformation. The commemoration offers an opportunity for Member States, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), the private sector, civil society, and development partners to renew their shared commitment to Agenda 2063, which envisions “an integrated, prosperous, and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in the global arena.”