Museveni Invites Investors to 'Come Benefit from Transforming Uganda'

The Head of State was speaking at the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2025 where he described Uganda as a gateway to the East African and African markets, calling for collaboration that would benefit both the country and its investors.

Abu Dhabi, UAE – President Museveni has invited global investors to participate in Uganda’s ambitious economic transformation, emphasizing the vast opportunities available in the country’s evolving economy.

“We invite investors from the world to help us rapidly transform our economy and society as they also benefit,” Museveni said, citing Uganda's impressive internal rate of return (IRR) of 14.1%.

The Head of State was speaking at the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2025 where he described Uganda as a gateway to the East African and African markets, calling for collaboration that would benefit both the country and its investors.

“Uganda has a population of 46 million people and is part of the East African Community with 300 million people, all within the Continental Free Trade Area of Africa, which boasts a population of 1.4 billion. When you invest in Uganda or any African country, you have the assurance of this huge and growing market,” he said.

Tracing Uganda’s history, Museveni highlighted the nation’s economic journey from a subsistence-based economy in the 1900s to a diversified economy today.

He explained that Uganda had moved beyond its colonial-era reliance on coffee, cotton, and copper to include a wider array of agricultural, industrial, and intellectual products.

“Our economy has grown from $4 billion in 1986 to $55 billion today by the exchange rate method, or $168.5 billion by purchasing power parity," the President said.

"But we are not satisfied with this. By merely adding value to our raw materials—coffee, cereals, minerals—we aim to grow the economy to $500 billion in the coming years."

The President underscored the importance of infrastructure development and human capital in achieving Uganda’s goals.

He noted the government’s investments in electricity generation, road construction, education, and healthcare as critical foundations for growth.

“Peace, infrastructure, and a skilled population are essential for rapid transformation,” he said.

Museveni pointed to Uganda’s surplus production in key areas such as maize, milk, beef, and steel products, noting that the local market of 46 million people was not enough to sustain large-scale production.

He emphasized the importance of regional markets like the East African Community and COMESA in driving economic growth.

“How would the Ugandan economy grow if we didn’t have the East African, COMESA, and wider African markets?” he asked, highlighting the critical role of regional integration.

In its 16th year, the global platform supported by the UAE and Masdar - its clean energy leader - amplifies the Emirates' Net Zero 2050 Strategic Initiative and supports the goals of both the Paris Agreement and the UAE Consensus reached at COP28.

Supported by the UAE and hosted by Masdar, ADSW 2025 will operate under the theme, “The Nexus of Next: Supercharging Sustainable Progress.”

The event aims to unite government officials, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and youth to drive economic, social, and environmental change through innovation and collaboration.

And reflecting on Africa’s potential, Mr Museveni remarked on the continent’s vast resources and the opportunities presented by its rapidly growing population, which is expected to reach 2.5 billion by 2050.

“Africa is the origin of man and has been underpopulated for much of human history. With modern science enabling us to suppress diseases, Africa’s growth is now unstoppable. Future leadership in prosperity belongs to Africa without a doubt, as long as we act right,” he said.

The President also took a broader view of global affairs, criticizing historical exploitation and calling for a shift toward mutually beneficial partnerships.

“All sorts of criminalities have been committed by greedy, evil, and ignorant actors. To build global affluence and prosperity, these mistakes are not necessary,” he stated, urging the world to adopt win-win solutions to human challenges.

Mr Museveni concluded his address by reaffirming Uganda’s readiness to partner with investors.

“We invite investors from around the world to help us rapidly transform our economy and society. The internal rate of return in Uganda is 14.1 percent, which makes it a lucrative opportunity for all,” he said.

With his call to action, Mr Museveni positioned Uganda as a land of opportunity, offering investors the chance to contribute to—and benefit from—a nation on the rise.