At the opening of the Uganda Development Finance Summit 2025, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni spotlighted the transformative impact of Chinese capital on Africa’s infrastructure and industrial landscape. Held under the theme “Transforming Africa through National Development Finance Architecture,” the summit served as a platform to explore how strategic investments can advance continental development.
President Museveni credited both state-owned and private Chinese capital with delivering critical transport and energy projects, key to unlocking growth and modernization across the continent. He particularly praised Chinese-backed industrial parks, emphasizing their role in reducing Africa’s import dependence and generating thousands of jobs for its youth.
In contrast to Chinese investors who “unlike Western lenders, seize opportunities in Africa and invest with the promise of good returns,” Museveni challenged Western financiers to follow suit offering more affordable credit rather than leaving African economies hostage to predatory rates.
This call comes amid broader discussions at the summit involving government officials, national development banks, and multilateral financial institutions. Participants examined challenges including debt burdens, resource mobilization, and avenues for sustaining growth across agriculture, technology, and services.
