Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo, the Vice President of Uganda commended Tembo Steels for its significant role in driving innovation within the steel industry, particularly in Uganda and across Africa.
Alupo was on a guided tour of exhibitors as Uganda hosted its first Africa Industrialization Week, which attracted over 40 countries and 450 participants at the Munyonyo Commonwealth Resort to discuss issues related to industrialization of the continent.
The vice President was received by Tembo Steel’s Senior Marketing Executive, Wycliff Nyesiga, who explained how they utilize green technology that has enabled a 70% reduction in carbon emissions, which positions them as a leader in sustainable steel production with the largest capacity for products like wire rods and structural steel sections .
Tembo is one of East Africa’s Largest Company with Interest in Manufacturing Hot and cold rolled profiles, Strategic Investments made by the Company have resulted in the Creation of Tangible and Intangible assets which are at the heart of Ugandan Economy.
The launch of the inaugural Africa Industrialization Week in Uganda coincided with a period of significant growth and transformation in the country’s industrial sector, driven by strategic government policies, increased foreign direct investment (FDI) in the oil sector, and an expanding manufacturing base.
Uganda is home to over 5,000 industrial enterprises, employing approximately 1.3 million people. The event was held under the theme “Transforming Africa’s Economy through Sustainable Industrialization, Regional Integration, and Innovation.”
This theme highlighted the importance of sustainable industrialization, regional integration, and innovation in advancing Africa’s structural transformation agenda.
The event took place from November 17th to 21st and concluded with the observance of Africa Industrialization Day, celebrated annually on November 20th. The forum addressed key issues, including women-led industrial parks and gender-sensitive policies aimed at promoting industrial growth.
It emphasized the need for improved access to finance through development finance institutions, banks, venture capital, and public-private partnerships. Skills development was a primary focus, emphasizing certification, quality standards, digital tools, and ESG compliance.
Innovation and digitalization were also central themes, with advocates encouraging the use of technology to enhance production and market access. Recommendations included increasing financial access for youth, advancing technological skills, and creating an African Youth Start-up Network linked to industrial initiatives.
Africa Industrialization Week 2025 began with remarks from the State Minister of Industry, David Bahati, who noted the changes in procurement legislation that have delayed various project initiations. The minister also acknowledged significant progress, with South Africa and Morocco advancing in automotive manufacturing, Ethiopia rapidly developing industrial parks, and Uganda offering land, tax incentives, and benefits to attract investors in both public and private parks.
The president’s call for unity and value addition was echoed throughout Africa Industrialization Week 2025, indicating broad public support for his message.
In his speech closing Africa Industrialization Week 2025 and Africa Industrialization Day, delivered by Major Jessica Alupo, Uganda’s Vice President, President Museveni reiterated his stance against Africa exporting unprocessed raw materials for value addition while importing finished goods based on those same resources.
He pointed out that Africa relies heavily on imports for machinery, equipment, vehicles, mineral fuels, electronics, chemicals, as well as large quantities of food items like rice and cereals, and pharmaceuticals—all despite the continent’s abundance of natural resources, including a diverse range of minerals and agricultural products.
Africa holds approximately 85% of the global platinum reserves, 50% of manganese reserves and production, 90% of chromium reserves, 40% of gold reserves, and 75% of phosphate reserves worldwide.
