In a significant diplomatic engagement, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni of Uganda met with the Prime Minister of Eswatini, Rt. Hon. Russell Mmiso Dlamini, at Speke Resort, Munyonyo. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the African Union Extraordinary Summit on the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP), where the two leaders delved into discussions on agriculture, economic sovereignty, and strengthening bilateral relations between Uganda and Eswatini.
A Shared Vision for Agriculture and Economic Sovereignty
Prime Minister Dlamini expressed his gratitude for Uganda’s warm hospitality and lauded President Museveni’s unwavering advocacy for food sovereignty and economic self-reliance. “I have been following your speeches on social media and in meetings like this. You have clearly emphasised food sovereignty and the dangers of relying on external aid. Today, your simple yet profound explanation of exporting jobs and relying on donations resonated deeply with me,” Dlamini remarked.
He further noted that President Museveni’s approach demonstrates that transformation can be achieved through practical, small-scale efforts rather than complex solutions. This perspective aligns with the broader goals of the CAADP, which aims to enhance agricultural productivity and ensure sustainable food security across the continent.
Strengthening Diplomatic Ties
During the meeting, Prime Minister Dlamini conveyed greetings from King Mswati III and the Queen Mother of Eswatini. He also sought Uganda’s support for Eswatini’s candidate for the African Union Commissioner of Agriculture position. “Eswatini has never held this position before, and we believe it is time. Our candidate, Mr. Moses Vilakati, a former Minister of Agriculture, is highly qualified and certified. We request Uganda’s backing in this contest, especially since we are competing with Zimbabwe and other countries. We have engaged South African states and believe we have a strong chance,” Dlamini stated.
President Museveni responded positively, acknowledging Eswatini’s lack of representation in major African Union appointments. “If Eswatini has never had a significant appointment, that is a strong reason to support its bid, provided the candidate is competent,” Museveni said. He advised the Eswatini team to research Mozambique and Zimbabwe’s history of representation to ensure a balanced approach.
Advocating for Value Addition in African Resources
President Museveni reiterated the importance of Africa moving away from exporting raw materials and instead focusing on adding value to its resources. He highlighted the example of coffee, where Africa earns $2.5 per kilogram as a raw material, compared to $40 per kilogram for processed coffee abroad. “This is how Africa has been a major donor to the rest of the world. We lose not only money but also jobs. The roasting, grinding, and packaging jobs go to the children of foreigners, while our children drown in the Mediterranean Sea, running away from impoverished Africa to prosperous Europe,” Museveni emphasized.
The President also stressed the need for African nations to adopt commercial agriculture and invest in local value addition. “The crisis of unemployment stems from exporting jobs. We grow coffee, de-husk it, and sell it for $2.50, while others process and package it, creating jobs for their children,” he said.
A Call for Collective Action
The meeting between President Museveni and Prime Minister Dlamini underscores the critical need for African nations to collaborate in addressing common challenges and leveraging growth opportunities. By focusing on food sovereignty, economic self-reliance, and value addition, Africa can chart a path towards sustainable development and prosperity.
As the CAADP summit continues, the discussions and agreements forged here will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of agriculture and economic policies across the continent. The commitment of leaders like Museveni and Dlamini to these ideals is a testament to the potential for transformative change in Africa.