Okello Oryem advocates for stronger economic ties at Indonesia-Africa Forum

The State Minister for International Cooperation, Henry Okello Oryem, has called for stronger economic cooperation between Africa and Indonesia, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable growth and development.

Minister Oryem, who was on Wednesday addressing the Second Indonesia-Africa Forum (IAF) in Bali, Indonesia, reflected on the historic 1955 Bandung Conference that established the 10 Bandung principles.

"These principles have long been the foundation of the Non-Aligned Movement," Minister Oryem, who was representing President Museveni at the three-day meet, said.

"But today, we face an even greater challenge – fostering economic prosperity for all and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)."

President Museveni currently chairs the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), Mr Oryem

Minister Oryem applauded the strong bilateral relations between Indonesia, Uganda, and the broader African continent, stressing the need for economic cooperation in critical sectors.

"We must harness the potential of our youth through digitalization to drive growth," he argued.

"Equally important is expanding production in sectors like agriculture through mechanization and irrigation."

The Minister also highlighted the shared global challenges of climate change, urging a balance between environmental responsibility and economic progress.

"Mitigation commitments should not come at the expense of economic advancement for developing countries," he insisted.

Mr Oryem further called for empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to transition to industrialisation, citing Indonesia’s strides in tourism as a model for African countries.

"There is immense potential in tourism, a sector where Indonesia has excelled. We have much to learn from their experience," he said.

During the forum, Minister Oryem also participated in a panel discussion themed “Outlook from the Region: Update and Prospect for Cooperation,” where he reiterated Uganda's commitment to fostering deeper collaboration with Indonesia and other African nations.