President Museveni Calls For Fair Trade, Technology To Propel Africa’s Global Role

By Gad Masereka

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has said that Africa stands poised to become the new centre of hope for global development, calling on nations of the Global South to unite around fair trade, technology, and investment as tools for shared prosperity.

Speaking at the closing session of the 19th Ministerial Meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Coordinating Bureau at Speke Resort Munyonyo on Wednesday, President Museveni, who chairs the Movement, praised the gathering as a milestone in redefining international cooperation beyond historical power blocs.

The meeting, attended by delegates from 121 member states, ran under the theme “Deepening Cooperation for Shared Global Affluence” and underscored NAM’s renewed mission to champion a just world order grounded in mutual respect and balanced development.

Museveni said the founders of the Movement laid a strong ideological foundation that continues to guide developing nations in resisting global dominance and dependency. “I wish to salute the founding fathers of the Non-Aligned Movement who gave us a solid start in the fight against the influence of hegemony that emerged in the 1940s,” he said.

Reflecting on Africa’s own experience with colonialism, the President noted that attempts to dominate others had historically failed and instead strengthened the resolve of those who were once oppressed.

“I feel strongly, as a third-generation anti-colonial fighter from Africa, that we may be the hope of the world,” Museveni said, drawing applause from the audience.

He argued that Africa’s demographic strength, natural wealth, and youthful population position it not as a recipient of global aid but as a future engine of innovation and growth. “The advancement of one nation through technology should not be seen as a threat but as an opportunity for the rest of the world,” he added, urging developing countries to embrace scientific progress as a bridge to equality rather than competition.

Museveni highlighted the role of industrial diversification and fair trade in creating global balance, pointing to China’s transformation as an example of how economic growth in one part of the world can uplift others. “When China developed its industries, the price of steel rose from 200 to 900 dollars per ton. That was not a loss to the rest of the world but a demonstration of shared prosperity,” he said, calling on member states to view the progress of others as part of a collective gain.

Throughout his address, the President emphasized that the Non-Aligned Movement remains relevant in today’s shifting geopolitical landscape.

He said Uganda, as chair of NAM, would continue to focus on strengthening trade, tourism, investment, and security partnerships among member countries, while promoting dialogue and peace as foundations for sustainable development.

The president also commended member states for their confidence in Uganda’s leadership of the Movement, saying the country’s stewardship will reflect the spirit of solidarity envisioned by its founders. “We thank you for entrusting us with this responsibility. Uganda’s commitment to the Movement’s principles remains firm. Our task is to ensure that developing nations speak with one voice in pursuit of global fairness,” he said.

Delegates from Asia, Latin America, and Africa echoed the need for a new global economic order that values partnership over dominance. Several representatives praised Uganda’s proactive role in revitalizing the Movement and offering a platform for dialogue on issues affecting the developing world.

As the meeting concluded, Museveni’s message resonated as both a call to action and a reminder of Africa’s potential to shape the global future. His assertion that the continent could become the world’s new centre of hope captured the tone of a gathering determined to reimagine cooperation in an increasingly divided world.

In the end, the Munyonyo meeting stood not only as a diplomatic event but as a symbolic statement of Africa’s readiness to lead—rooted in its past struggles, guided by its present ambitions, and driven by its belief that the path to shared prosperity must be built by equals.