President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has officially closed the Afro-Arab Youth Congress 2025 at Speke Resort Munyonyo, calling upon young people from Africa and the Arab world to embrace ideology, unity, and innovation as vital tools for peace and prosperity.
The five-day congress, held under the theme “Amplifying Youth Voices for Peace, Unity, and Prosperity” from October 6 to 10, 2025, brought together youth leaders, government representatives, diplomats, and policymakers from across both regions to discuss strategies for collaboration and sustainable development.
In his remarks, President Museveni noted that Africa’s population currently stands at 1.5 billion and is projected to reach 2.5 billion within 30 years, positioning the continent as the future engine of global growth.
“You young people need to know that you belong to the future of the world. The future lies here in the Afro-Arab world,” the President said.
He observed that although Africa is richly endowed with natural resources and favorable weather, these advantages come with challenges such as tsetse flies, malaria, and other diseases, urging young innovators to develop homegrown solutions to address them.
Tackling Africa’s Strategic Bottlenecks
President Museveni highlighted ten strategic bottlenecks that continue to hinder Africa’s progress, noting that ideological disorientation remains one of the most critical. He explained that the continent’s political weaknesses often arise from identity-based politics instead of focusing on shared interests.
“The most important question in politics is whether it’s about identity or interests,” he stated. “Some people destroyed their countries, like in Sudan, by emphasizing tribe and religion. Even in Uganda, some tried it, but we rejected it. We said politics should be based on interests because prosperity comes from producing and selling goods or services, not tribalism.”
The President cautioned that political parties founded on sectarian or tribal lines cannot build strong national movements or sustain development.
“How can you win elections or build a nation if you emphasize tribes?” he asked. “Such divisions weaken nations instead of strengthening them.”
He also cited Africa’s fragmented market as another obstacle, pointing out that meaningful development requires both production and consumers with purchasing power.
“Development comes when you produce goods and services and have a market to buy them. But Africa is divided into 55 small markets — who will buy what you produce?” he asked.
President Museveni emphasized the need for deeper integration through regional blocs like the EAC and ECOWAS, which he noted are yet to reach their full potential. He urged youth to adopt ideology-driven leadership, guided by patriotism and Pan-Africanism.
“I recommend the ideology of patriotism — love your country — but also be Pan-Africanists, because no African country can thrive in isolation,” he said.
He further explained that Uganda’s economic growth was accelerated by the realization that the domestic market alone was insufficient to sustain production.
“Ugandans were once sectarian, but they eventually realized the internal market couldn’t absorb their products,” he said. “Ideology is like a medical prescription — if it’s wrong, the patient will die.”
Launch of Afro-Arab Youth Empowerment Drive
During the event, President Museveni also launched a fundraising campaign to strengthen youth empowerment programs across Africa and the Arab world under the Afro-Arab Youth Congress framework.
Ms. Chido Cleopatra Mpemba, Special Envoy to the African Union Chairperson on Youth and Gender Issues, praised President Museveni for championing women and youth inclusion in leadership.
“We thank President Museveni for giving women a voice. Uganda is a continental example with women occupying top leadership roles — including the Vice President, the Prime Minister, and several key ministers,” she said.
Regional and International Voices
Kenya’s Deputy President Kithure Kindiki hailed the congress as an essential platform for strengthening ties between Africa and the Arab world.
“This congress bridges two great regions. It provides a forum for understanding, cooperation, and shared prosperity,” he said. “Young people are not just leaders of tomorrow — they are leaders of today.”
Reaffirming Kenya’s commitment to regional collaboration, Kindiki urged youth to seize their moment.
“This is your time to stand. The future is not promised — it is created,” he said.
Representing His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, the UAE delegation reaffirmed their belief in youth as drivers of transformation.
“In the UAE, we launched a national youth agenda to empower young people to shape the future,” a representative said. “We believe in you — you have the energy and passion to change the world.”
Shared Destiny and a Call for Peace
H.E. Abdul Haddi Lahweej, President of the Afro-Arab Youth Congress, emphasized the shared destiny between Africa and the Arab world, urging the two regions to unite in addressing common challenges.
“Arab and African nations live side by side and face similar struggles,” he said. “How can a continent with so much wealth remain poor? Africa must change its ways and accelerate its development to catch up with the rest of the world.”
He also called for peace and solidarity, particularly in support of Palestine, stressing that peace is not optional but essential for progress.
“Africa must stand united against war and oppression. We must advocate for peace everywhere — especially for our brothers and sisters in Palestine,” he concluded.
