Kampala, Uganda: President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called on young people across Africa and the Arab world to embrace ideology, unity, and innovation as tools for peace, transformation, and prosperity.
The President made the appeal on Friday while officiating at the closure of the Afro-Arab Youth Congress 2025 at Speke Resort Munyonyo, which ran from October 6 to 10 under the theme “Amplifying Youth Voices for Peace, Unity and Prosperity.”
The five-day congress attracted youth leaders, government officials, diplomats, and representatives from both continents to chart a new course for cooperation and progress.
Museveni highlighted Africa’s growing population; currently at 1.5 billion and projected to reach 2.5 billion in 30 years, describing it as a strong foundation for the continent’s future global relevance. “You young people need to know that you belong to the future of the world. The future belongs here in the Afro-Arab world,” the President said.
He emphasized that while Africa is blessed with favorable weather and abundant resources, the same conditions also support challenges such as malaria and tsetse flies, urging youth innovators to develop homegrown solutions.
Museveni identified ten strategic bottlenecks holding Africa back, singling out ideological disorientation as one of the most dangerous.
“The most important question in politics is: is it about identity or about interests?” he asked. “Some countries destroyed themselves through politics of tribe and religion. We need politics of interest — because prosperity comes from selling a good or service, not from tribalism.”
He cautioned that political parties built on tribal or sectarian foundations cannot unite nations or sustain growth.
The President also pointed to fragmented markets as another obstacle to Africa’s advancement, noting that production without consumption power remains futile. “Africa is divided into 55 small markets. Who will buy what you produce?” he asked, stressing that regional integration is key to sustainable development.
Museveni urged the youth to embrace patriotism and Pan-Africanism as guiding ideologies. “I recommend to you the ideology of patriotism — love your country — but also be Pan-Africanists because Uganda cannot thrive without Africa,” he advised.
He added that Uganda learned long ago that its internal market is too small to sustain economic growth, hence the need for regional trade expansion.
During the event, the President launched a fundraising drive to support Afro-Arab youth empowerment programs across the continent.
Praise from continental leaders
Ms. Chido Cleopatra Mpemba, Special Envoy on Youth and Gender Issues to the AU Chairperson, commended Museveni for empowering women and youth, noting that Uganda’s leadership structure has women in top positions such as Vice President and Prime Minister.
Kenya’s Deputy President Kithure Kindiki described the Afro-Arab Youth Congress as “a bridge between regions,” saying it offers a vital platform for fostering cooperation. “Young people today are creating enterprises that offer new solutions. They are not just leaders of tomorrow — they are leaders of today,” Kindiki remarked.
Representing UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE delegation reaffirmed the Emirates’ commitment to youth empowerment, saying: “We firmly believe in youth as changemakers. In the UAE, we have a national youth agenda to empower them to shape the future.”
The Afro-Arab Youth Congress President, H.E Abdul Haddi Lahweej, underscored the shared destiny of both regions, calling for renewed unity and a strong voice for peace — especially in Palestine.
“Africa must push for peace and stop wars. We must condemn oppression and work together for a better future,” Lahweej said.
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