KAMPALA, Uganda (BG) –  Uganda has banned the export of unprocessed minerals as part of a broader strategy to enhance value addition, industrialize its economy, and secure resources for future generations.

At the 11th Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development, held from April 9 to 11 in Kampala, Uganda, President Yoweri Museveni stressed the importance of keeping mineral wealth within the country.

“I’ve banned the export of unprocessed minerals. No unprocessed mineral leaves Uganda now,” Museveni said.

“I told our people that if we can’t process the minerals, they must stay in the ground. Our grandchildren will come and process them,” he added.

Under the guidance of Museveni, Uganda has undertaken significant reforms to foster inclusive growth, drive social transformation, and bolster economic resilience.

Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja noted that the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) remain at the heart of Uganda’s national growth agenda.

The move to curb raw mineral exports aligns with broader continental efforts to maximize the benefits of Africa’s natural resources.

Claver Gatete, executive secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa, reinforced the call for scaling domestic resources and reducing reliance on aid, stressing the need to tap into pension and sovereign wealth funds to finance Africa’s transformation.

The forum also highlighted the importance of regional integration, climate justice, and economic diversification.

Museveni pointed out that Uganda’s dairy sector, for instance, has been sustained through the East African Community’s regional market.

He also drew attention to the coffee sector, lamenting that Africa, despite being a major producer, captures only a tiny fraction of the global coffee value chain.

As discussions continue in Kampala, Uganda’s firm stance on mineral processing is seen as a pivotal step toward ensuring long-term economic sovereignty and sustainable development.