Museveni, former African Presidents to discuss steps to take for Africa’s integration

An integrated continent has been the goal of

An integrated continent has been the goal of African countries since the attainment of independence more than 50 years ago. Arguments for speeding up the integration process have been advanced by many, and it is generally agreed that integration would be politically and economically beneficial for Africa. The key challenge is to find a way to make this vision a reality.

H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, President of Uganda, and former Presidents Benjamin William Mkapa of Tanzania, Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria, Bakili Muluzi of Malawi, Jerry Rawlings of Ghana, Hifikepunye Pohamba of Namibia and Festus Mogae of Botswana are set to attend the African Leadership Forum 2015, to be held on July 30thin Dar es Salaam.

The forum, which has been convened by H.E. Benjamin William Mkapa, former President of the United Republic of Tanzania, and coordinated by UONGOZI Institute will kick start with a plenary session where H.E. Yoweri Museveni will be the keynote speaker.

According to a statement released by UONGOZI Institute, the African Leadership Forum 2015, with the theme of ‘Moving Towards an Integrated Africa: What needs to be done?’, will bring together more than 100 key influential leaders and thinkers across the continent, including the former Heads of State, and leaders from business, government, civil society and academia.

“The forum builds on the success of the inaugural dialogue in 2014 on Meeting the challenges of Africa’s transformation”, said the statement, “this year’s event will provide a platform to reflect on the continent’s integration journey thus far, take stock of the challenges and opportunities and forecast prospects for Africa’s future.”

Following the keynote address by H.E. Yoweri Museveni, the plenary session will feature a panel discussion with H.E Olusegun Obasanjo, H.E. Jerry Rawlings, H.E. Bakili Muluzi and Dr. Salim Ahmed Salim, former Secretary General of the Organisation for Africa’s Unity (OAU). The panel will deliberate on what kind of integration Africa should pursue, and the related challenges.

At the end of this one-day event, it is expected that a declaration from participants will be produced, with recommendations on the way forward regarding what needs to be done to achieve an integrated Africa.

The forum will be followed by a dinner gala where the awards ceremony for the winners of UONGOZI Institute’s annual Leadership essay competition for East and Southern African youth between the ages of 18-25 will take place.