TORORO, Uganda — President William Ruto on Sunday declared the launch of a vertically integrated steel industry in Tororo, Eastern Uganda, a turning point for Africa’s industrial ambitions, calling it a bold demonstration of regional cooperation and economic self-reliance.
Speaking alongside Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni at the commissioning ceremony, Ruto said the new plant — spearheaded by Devki Group Chairman Dr Narendra Raval — marks “a new, audacious chapter in Africa’s industrialisation ambitions”, anchored on collaboration within the East African Community (EAC).
The President praised Museveni’s “steadfast commitment to transformative investments” and lauded Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame for consistently driving regional integration policies that enable cross-border industries to thrive.
Ruto said Kenya’s support for the project was grounded in its strategic goal to strengthen EAC industrial integration through interconnected value chains, shared infrastructure, and coordinated manufacturing policies.
“As a region, we recognise that the sum of our collective strength far exceeds the power of our individual nations,” he said, adding that the project aligns with Kenya’s long-term vision of a competitive and self-sustaining regional market.
The President stated that the Tororo steel complex will stimulate economic activity across East Africa, particularly in the construction, energy, transportation, and logistics sectors.
Current employment stands at more than 400 workers, with projections to reach 20,000 employees by 2027 across Devki’s East African operations.
In his address, Ruto highlighted the continent’s emerging importance in the global steel market. Africa produced 39.5 million tonnes of steel in 2024, with projections indicating a rise to 52 million tonnes by 2034, driven by growing infrastructure needs and accelerated industrialisation.
The President noted that Sub-Saharan Africa holds an estimated 20–25 billion tonnes of iron ore reserves, enough to position the region as a major global exporter if countries adopt supportive industrial policies and expand manufacturing capacity.
“The establishment of the Tororo Steel Industry sends a powerful message that our countries possess both the capacity and the courage to build globally competitive industries,” Ruto said.
Ruto linked the project to continental goals under the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), noting that regional steel production enhances value addition, strengthens supply chains, and accelerates economic integration.
He said the plant reflects Africa’s shift toward self-reliance through large-scale industrial ventures capable of reducing import dependency and increasing intra-African trade.
The President paid tribute to Dr Narenda Raval, describing him as a “distinguished Kenyan industrialist” whose vision and commitment were central to the Tororo plant’s realisation. He credited Raval with demonstrating that African-owned industrial groups can lead regional transformation.
Ruto reiterated Kenya’s commitment to future cooperation with Uganda, Rwanda, and other EAC partners to scale up industrial productivity and ensure shared prosperity.
“We stand ready to work hand in hand to transform today’s milestone into tomorrow’s prosperity,” he said.
