“From Africa Raw Materials Dialogue to Africa Raw Materials and Value Addition Dialogue.” I am pleased that the Second Russian–African Raw Materials Dialogue in St. Petersburg adopted my proposal to include value addition. Africa must move beyond supplying factory feedstock and build its capacity to process resources, manufacture products and create greater value for our people. @STIsecretariat @Parliament_Ug @StateHouseUg @ubctvuganda @NBSBreakingNews

Yesterday evening I joined H. E Moses Kizige and his team and met with Ugandan Students pursuing studies in different parts of Russia and Cosmos Hotel in St. Petersburg -Russia. We discussed a range of issues, captured students challenges and I offered them a real life lecture that transcends job creation, discipline and love for their country. I told Students and diaspora that joined us later of my pan African belief. I told the students the moment they are done with students m, they should return home, we have many problems to offer solutions too, the more the problems the possibility for them to become rich. I reminded the Uganda living in Russia to summarize their stay, they should work thinking about home, their is a lot of money in Uganda. This evening, I joined H.E. Moses Kizige and his team at the Cosmos Hotel in St. Petersburg, Russia, where we met Ugandan students pursuing studies across the country. We discussed a range of issues, and I listened to the challenges they are facing. I also shared a practical life lesson on creating jobs, practising discipline and loving our country. When Ugandans living in Russia later joined us, I spoke about my Pan-African belief and encouraged the students to return home after completing their studies. Uganda has many challenges that need solutions, and each challenge presents an opportunity for innovation, enterprise and wealth creation. I also reminded Ugandans living in Russia to keep Uganda in mind as they build their lives and careers. There are many opportunities at home, and we need their skills, ideas and commitment to help develop our country.

Today, I led a Ugandan delegation to ITMO University in St. Petersburg, Russia. I thank Miss Katrina for warmly welcoming us and extend my appreciation to Dr. Konstantin Astankov, who was unable to be present. We received an overview of ITMO’s research and educational programmes, technology transfer schemes, the Energy-Efficient Engineering Systems Educational Centre, and the Faculty of Secure Information Technologies. We also toured the Energy-Efficient Engineering Systems Educational Centre. Dr. Alexander told us that nearly every major company in Russia is facing cyberattacks, including brute-force attacks. He said that Russia’s large companies alone need about 100,000 cybersecurity specialists, underscoring the growing demand for skilled professionals in this field. During our conversation on cybersecurity, I reminded the ITMO team of a question I had asked in Japan: “Who will we blame if AI turns against us?” We will need a global joint effort to address these challenges, and building cybersecurity expertise is essential. We discussed ITMO’s open Capture the Flag (CTF) events and programmes, which bring together innovators, including participants from East African countries, to address cybersecurity challenges, strengthen AI security and develop open-source projects with potential to reach international markets. We also discussed possible areas of cooperation between ITMO University and Ugandan institutions in research, education and technology transfer, including opportunities for ITMO to engage with Ugandan students and innovators. #STIUganda #STIWorks

We agreed to develop projects through which the Russian university will support Ugandan universities in developing capacity for innovation and the mass production of finished products from minerals.

I had a partnership discussion with Eng. Tatiana Nikolaevna Aleksandrova, Head of the Mineral Processing Department at Empress Catherine II St. Petersburg Mining University. We agreed to develop projects through which the Russian university will support Ugandan universities in developing capacity for innovation and the mass production of finished products from minerals.

Today, I met with Mr. G. Andrey Gorobtsov, Executive Director of the Association for Economic Cooperation with African Countries. I shared the progress Uganda has made in agro-processing and innovation, highlighting products from Inspire Africa Coffee, Nonda Coffee, Great Lakes Coffee and TOOKE. These products demonstrate how we can add value to our agricultural resources and create greater opportunities across the value chain. We agreed to develop projects that Russia can support to advance agro-innovation and contribute to Uganda’s Ten-Fold Growth Strategy. #STIUganda #STIWorks

I was impressed by the resolutions adopted at the Second Russian-African Raw Materials Dialogue, including the proposal I made during yesterday evening’s session to expand the dialogue’s focus to include value addition. I also commend the Russian Federation for creating a platform where Africans can shape the conversation about the development of their natural resources. The leadership of Empress Catherine II Saint Petersburg Mining University, including Rector Vladimir Litvinenko, accepted our proposal to move from a Raw Materials Dialogue to a Raw Materials and Value Addition Dialogue. I am convinced that the future must see Africa recognised as a factory, not merely as a source of factory feedstock. That future depends on processing our resources, building industries and retaining greater value on the continent.

At the roundtable on Africa’s Water Strategy during the Second Russia–Africa Raw Materials Dialogue, I thanked the Government of the Russian Federation for its strong bilateral relationship with Uganda. I also acknowledged our diplomatic missions, represented by H.E. Ambassador Moses Kizige and Deputy Gideon Rutazindwa, and thanked the Rector of Empress Catherine II Saint Petersburg Mining University for the invitation. I conveyed greetings from H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. I noted that about 80% of global agriculture is rain-fed, while Africa holds around 60% of the world’s available arable land. I also cited estimates that Africa needs over 70 billion litres of water daily for basic needs, with a daily shortfall of more than 20 billion litres. We must protect water sources as we develop our minerals. I called for eco-friendly technologies shaped with local communities, stronger research partnerships, shared intellectual property and fair benefit-sharing. #STIUganda #STIWorks

At a session chaired by Irina Olegovna Abramova, Director of the Institute for African Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, at Empress Catherine Mining University, I spoke about the importance of responsible water management in mining. Drawing on Uganda’s experience in the Albertine region, I noted that mining activities require water at different stages and can affect local communities. I urged Russian companies considering investments in Africa to plan for appropriate water technologies and responsible water management from the outset. #STIUganda #STIWorks

After the first session, I joined Russian and African ministers and leaders for a strategic discussion on how Russia can support African countries to develop their natural resources in ways that deliver shared growth and mutual benefit. I proposed that we learn from the oil and gas investment approach. These projects receive sustained attention from governments and investors from exploration through development. Yet other minerals often receive only limited, piecemeal exploration. We should give them the same long-term commitment so that their development can create greater value and opportunity for both Africa and its partners. #STIUganda #STIWorks

Yesterday, I joined H.E. Moses Kizige, Uganda’s Ambassador to Russia, and H.E. Rutazindwa Gideon to celebrate Uganda’s 64th Independence Day in Moscow. The First Deputy Minister, H.E. George Borisenko, was the Chief Guest. In my keynote address, I reflected on the longstanding ties between Uganda and Russia, dating back to the Soviet era, and called for continued cooperation in science, technology and innovation, tourism, and other areas of mutual interest.

This morning, I met with Hon. Konstantin Mogilevsky, Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, to discuss strengthening cooperation between Uganda and Russia. We agreed to develop joint upskilling programmes for young Ugandans and explore facilities that will help our scientists and innovators turn their knowledge and natural resources into practical solutions.

I visited the National University of Science and Technology in Moscow, Russia, to discuss a partnership that can help raise the productivity of Ugandan engineers and advance home-grown solutions in infrastructure, processing, aerospace, mobility and energy. A key outcome of the visit was the development of a project to upskill innovators to transform Uganda’s minerals into finished products. This will strengthen our capacity to add value to our natural resources and develop solutions that meet our needs.

This morning, I met with teams from the STI Secretariat at the Ministry offices in Naguru to discuss and reevaluate our work, align tasks and reimagine projects already in the pipeline, including Tech City. I provided direction to help move the project towards successful implementation. Each bureau presented its current and pending issues that require action at different levels. We also reimagined the projects and plans before us. @STIsecretariat

*HAPPY 64TH INDEPENDENCE DAY, UGANDA! As we celebrate 64 years of independence, let us renew our commitment to unity, patriotism, peace, and a shared vision of a prosperous Uganda. Our independence is a reminder of our strength as a nation and our responsibility to build a brighter future for generations to come. May we continue working together to advance science, technology, innovation, and development for the benefit of all Ugandans. Happy Independence Day! Hon. Jonard Asiimwe Akiiki