President Yoweri Museveni has called for greater economic unity among African countries, saying the continent must move away from colonial-era divisions and strengthen trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Museveni made the remarks on Wednesday after meeting Commonwealth Secretary General Shirley Botchwey at Entebbe, where the two discussed economic transformation, energy and opportunities for Africa's young population.
The President said African countries should organise themselves around shared economic interests and build stronger trading relationships through the AfCFTA.
He argued that the continent should have the freedom to trade with partners of its choice instead of maintaining economic arrangements based largely on boundaries and structures inherited from colonial rule.
Museveni said deeper continental integration would help African countries take advantage of their combined markets and resources while creating opportunities for businesses and workers.
"We discussed the need for Africans to unite around our common economic interests through the African Continental Free Trade Area and to trade with partners of our choice, rather than continuing to organise ourselves along colonial lines," Museveni said.
The meeting also focused on climate financing and the need to expand access to alternative sources of energy across the continent.
Museveni said the proposed climate fund should support investments in renewable and other low-carbon energy sources, including solar, hydropower and nuclear energy.
According to the President, access to reliable and affordable energy will be critical to Africa's industrialisation and efforts to translate its natural and human resources into sustained economic growth.
The two leaders also discussed establishing a youth aspirations fund aimed at equipping young Africans with skills needed to participate in the continent's economic transformation.
Museveni said Africa's youthful population presents a major opportunity if young people are provided with appropriate skills and resources.
He argued that investments in education, skills development, energy and regional trade should form part of broader efforts to unlock Africa's economic potential.
"These are the issues we must address if Africa is to transform its enormous potential into prosperity," Museveni said.
The discussions come as African governments continue efforts to deepen continental trade and address infrastructure, energy and employment challenges affecting economic growth.