Museveni: The problem with Africa is sleeping, but we are slowly waking up

Uganda President Yoweri Museveni/PCS

President Yoweri Museveni has called for greater urgency in Africa’s development agenda, saying the continent’s biggest challenge is complacency and slow action despite its vast economic potential.

Speaking during the launch of Phase 2C of the Kisumu–Malaba Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) in Kisumu, Museveni remarked that Africa must wake up and embrace transformative infrastructure and regional integration to unlock growth and prosperity.

“The problem with Africa is sleeping; we love sleeping, but we are slowly waking up,” Museveni said, urging leaders and citizens to embrace development initiatives that promote economic integration and shared prosperity.

He encouraged those attending the launch to take photos and appreciate the significance of the moment, describing the event as historic and symbolic of Africa’s gradual awakening through infrastructure development and cooperation among nations.

“History will say my grandmother was also here when Africa was waking up,” he said, emphasising that the project represents a milestone in the continent’s journey toward modernisation and economic transformation.

Museveni noted that major infrastructure projects such as the SGR are critical in linking economies, reducing transport costs, and promoting trade across East Africa and the broader African continent.

He stressed that regional cooperation is key to achieving sustainable development and lifting millions out of poverty.

President William Ruto responded to Museveni’s remarks by stating that Kenya had already taken significant steps toward development and economic transformation, though some individuals still lag.

“We in Kenya woke up a long time ago. We still have a few who are still asleep, and we have told them to stop sleeping,” Ruto said in light remarks.

Ruto emphasised the importance of unity among East African countries, saying collaboration between Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania would drive economic growth and reduce poverty across the region.

“We want to unite so that we move forward together so that when our country joins together with Tanzania and Uganda, we are able to transform our economies, employment opportunities, increase wealth and decrease poverty,” Ruto added.

The exchange between the two leaders underscored the growing focus on regional integration and infrastructure development as key drivers of economic progress in East Africa.

Leaders present at the event highlighted the importance of joint projects such as the Kisumu–Malaba SGR in strengthening trade corridors and enhancing connectivity within the region.

The Kisumu–Malaba railway is part of a broader plan to connect the port of Mombasa to Uganda and other landlocked countries, positioning East Africa as a competitive trade and logistics hub.