The Deputy Speaker of the Ugandan Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, has called on nations belonging to the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) to focus on value addition and industrialisation. Tayebwa made this statement during the 60th anniversary celebration of the OACPS, emphasizing the need for member states to shift from primarily exporting raw materials to producing finished goods. This approach, he argued, would not only increase the economic value of their exports but also create more jobs and stimulate economic growth within their respective countries. Tayebwa’s remarks come at a time when many OACPS nations are seeking to diversify their economies and reduce their dependence on foreign aid. By prioritising value addition and industrialisation, these countries can better utilise their natural resources, invest in human capital, and develop more resilient and sustainable economies. The OACPS, comprising 79 member states, has been at the forefront of promoting economic cooperation and development among its members. Tayebwa’s urging reflects a broader recognition within the organisation of the need for strategic economic transformation to achieve long-term prosperity.
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