President Yoweri Museveni has shone a critical spotlight on a fundamental economic paradox plaguing the East African region. During a recent address, the Ugandan leader delivered a pointed critique, asserting that the continent's economic development is being hindered by a lack of political will to address a crucial geographical disadvantage.
Museveni's argument began with a contrasting observation: "Countries in South East Asia, big and small have access to the sea." He then juxtaposed this with the reality in Africa, where the continent is "fragmented economically," leaving nations like "Uganda, South Sudan, Burundi, Chad and Ethiopia have no access to the ocean." This lack of direct access to international markets, he argued, is a significant barrier to development, and his subsequent remarks placed the blame squarely on the shoulders of regional leadership.
His criticism was both direct and rhetorical, challenging the very purpose of governance. In a striking statement, he questioned the complacency he sees among his peers, asking, "Presidents and ministers are content, what are you ministering?" He further drove his point home with a powerful and simple question that encapsulated the entire problem: "Your not solving the issue of market and access to the ocean, how would you develop?" His comments, as reported in an article discussing how he and President Ruto "deplore trade barriers in East Africa," highlight a persistent frustration with the lack of progress on regional integration.
The economic implications of being a landlocked nation are well-documented. Without direct access to the sea, these countries face exorbitant transportation costs, making their exports less competitive on the global stage and inflating the price of imported goods. This cycle of high costs and limited market access severely stunts industrial growth and economic diversification. Museveni's call is a stark reminder that geographical limitations are not insurmountable, but they require a united, coordinated effort from regional governments to overcome.
