Four Ugandan innovators have been awarded a total of $20,000 (about 74.7 million Ugandan shillings) to showcase their products at a major event in Dubai. This opportunity comes as part of the Uganda Japan-Connect (UJ-Connect) project, aimed at promoting Uganda’s ICT sector.
The UJ-Connect project, supported by the Japanese Government and managed in partnership with the Uganda Ministry of ICT and Information Guidance and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), seeks to boost Uganda’s ICT industry. The project also aims to match Uganda’s ICT talents and entrepreneurs with opportunities in Japan.
Dr. Amina Zawedde, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of ICT, discussed the project’s impact during a recent event at the National ICT Innovation Hub in Nakawa, Kampala. She highlighted that the UJ-Connect project has facilitated significant progress in Uganda’s ICT sector, including the development of intellectual property guidelines for local systems and applications.
The collaboration between the ICT Ministry and the Ministry of Education is also enhancing digital skills by integrating digital technology into the education curriculum. This initiative aims to improve ICT skills and prepare students for future technological challenges.
So far, the project has trained 53 individuals in information security and artificial intelligence. Additionally, 65 more individuals are expected to complete their training in data management and application development soon. The initiative has also reached 1,000 students over the past four months, contributing to their ICT competencies.
The UJ-Connect project has provided training for 25 skilled innovators and 150 other staff members from various organizations. The project aims to support the development of ICT infrastructure, enhance connectivity, and make digital devices more accessible and affordable.
Dr. Zawedde emphasized the importance of creating a conducive environment for ICT to thrive in Uganda. The project also focuses on policy development and implementation to support innovators and strengthen the ICT ecosystem.
One key aspect of the project is to prepare Ugandan innovators to pitch their products effectively. The four selected innovators will travel to Dubai to present their ideas and products, with the goal of securing further investment and market opportunities.
JICA chief representative Yoichi Inoue praised the progress of the project and the efforts of both the private sector and government stakeholders from Uganda and Japan. He stressed the importance of ensuring the sustainability of the project’s achievements and continuing stakeholder engagement.
The ICT Ministry has said the project not only aims to enhance Uganda’s ICT industry but also to address digital skills gaps and improve cybersecurity and that by creating awareness and building capacity, the UJ-Connect project seeks to bridge the digital divide and support innovation and entrepreneurship in Uganda.
