Africa has political will to develop but … - Ugandan president

Ugandan President, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, has stated that the continent’s development challenges are more to do with ideological meandering that with the political will.

‘‘Whereas Africa has always had the political will to develop, the problem has been ideological meandering,’‘ Museveni told a panel at the ongoing World Economic Forum for Africa in Durban South Africa.

The Ugandan leader was speaking on the theme, ‘Agenda 2063: Infrastructure Update.’ He further charged that development needed to be looked at in a holistic sense, because one single element cannot be singled out for special focus in terms of real development.

Whereas Africa has always had the political will to develop, the problem has been ideological meandering.

According to him, development should be infrastructure plus education, fragmented markets, ideological disorientation amongst others. He agreed that growth should be private-sector led but must be supported by necessary infrastructure.

Govts should ensure low production costs by offering cheap electricity, affordable transport, cheap credit among others. #WEFAfrica2017 pic.twitter.com/Ec6dOkS2r2

— Yoweri K Museveni (@KagutaMuseveni) May 3, 2017

The World Economic Forum for Africa opened on Wednesday in South Africa and brings together over 1000 participants from over 100 countries to exchange ideas on the economic progress, challenges and prospects for the continent.

The 3-day forum which lasts till Friday is being held under the theme, Achieving Inclusive Growth through Responsive and Responsible Leadership, comes at a time that Africa’s most developed economy is facing turbulent times.