Uganda: Africa’s Next Innovation Powerhouse?
On Tuesday, 15th March 2022 the Innovation Week was launched by the Ministry of Information Communication Technology (ICT) and National Guidance (NG). The event was sponsored by Huawei, Airtel, MTN, NBS, UBC, Swangz Avenue, Vision Group, in addition to Centenary Technology Services.
The Ministry of ICT and NG’s purpose is to identify as well as support innovators & BPO practitioners and provide growth opportunities for them.
We had the opportunity to attend this great event, thus it is our duty to share the great insights we got from the seminar.
What was this event?
As part of the launch of the Innovation Week, a panel of speakers: Mr. Michael Niyitegeka, Miss Grace Achiire, Mr. Fred Otunnu, and Miss Vivian Dambya took turns in discussing how Uganda can become more competitive internationally by leveraging local talents, innovation, new technologies, etc. Some suggestions included reaffirming Uganda’s brand image, scaling Uganda’s standards to international standards, and improving the country’s infrastructure.
The panel of 4 speakers with the moderator
Picture via Ministry of ICT & NG’s Twitter account
During the event, many speakers also expressed themselves on the matter of how Uganda can become Africa’s Innovation Powerhouse. We note the presence of Hon. Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, the Minister for ICT & National Guidance, Hon. Joyce Nabbosa Ssebugwawo, the Minister of State for Information Communications Technology, Hon. Kabbyanga Godfrey Baluku, the Minister of State for National Guidance, Dr. Aminah Zawedde, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of ICT & National Guidance, together with Miss Geraldine Ssali, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives.
Ministry of ICT & NG of Uganda members
Hon. Dr. Chris Baryomunsi gave an inspiring speech where he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to investing in the youth and their inclusion in the economy, but also in infrastructures and technologies that will allow Uganda to catch up and keep up with the rest of the world.
Following that insightful speech, the Ugandan delegates in the Expo Dubai 2020 have been announced. This year, we have solid representation with 5 inspiring companies: Oncaplanta, Badaye Technologies, Xente, Emvigo Technologies, as well as E-Wall Technologies.
The 5 selected innovators that will be going to Expo Dubai 2020
Picture via Twitter
Those innovators will be flying to Dubai and have the opportunity to exchange with professionals. Let’s wish them a safe and fruitful trip!
Finally, the last part of the event dedicated time to Ugandan companies in a mini but nonetheless interesting expo. We had the opportunity to exchange with innovators and Uganda has huge potential.
Let’s hope that, following this week, we can witness the growth and more innovation coming out of our country!