Speaker of Parliament Jacob Marksons Oboth has called on African legislators to prioritize wealth creation through value addition, warning that the continent will remain economically dependent if it continues to export raw materials while other countries reap the benefits of processing and manufacturing.

Oboth made the call on Tuesday, November 10, while addressing members of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) at the Imperial Botanical Beach Hotel in Entebbe. The CPA Africa Region Capacity Development Seminar, running until November 13, 2026, is held under the theme, 'From Extraction to Transformation: Parliamentary Leadership in Securing Africa’s Resource Wealth for Sustainable Development.'

The seminar brings together legislators from Uganda, South Africa, Rwanda, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Zambia to discuss how parliamentary leadership can strengthen accountability and ensure that Africa's resource wealth contributes to sustainable development.

Oboth noted that Africa's abundant natural resources had not translated into prosperity for its people because much of the value generated from extraction, processing, and marketing was captured outside the continent. He emphasized that the tragedy of Africa is not the absence of wealth but the failure to transform that wealth into prosperity for the people.

“We extract and export raw materials while processing, manufacturing, employment, and profits largely accumulate elsewhere,” he said. He urged lawmakers to enact policies that promote value addition, industrialization, and job creation, ensuring that the continent benefits fully from its resources.

The Speaker's remarks come at a time when African countries are increasingly seeking to move up the value chain in sectors such as mining, agriculture, and energy. By processing raw materials locally, countries can create jobs, increase revenue, and reduce dependence on foreign markets.

However, challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, limited access to technology, and weak regulatory frameworks continue to hinder progress. Oboth called for stronger parliamentary oversight and regional cooperation to address these obstacles.

The CPA seminar provides a platform for legislators to share best practices and develop strategies to enhance accountability in the management of natural resources. Participants are expected to deliberate on ways to strengthen legal frameworks, improve transparency, and promote sustainable extraction practices.

As the seminar continues, the spotlight is on Africa's parliamentarians to turn commitments into action, ensuring that the continent's resource wealth becomes a catalyst for inclusive and sustainable development.

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