Joyce Nabosa Sebugwawo, the Minister of State for ICT and National Guidance interacts with the Event organizer, Mr. Henry Lutwama (Left).
The highly anticipated National Innovation Summit came to a close on December 6, 2024, leaving an indelible mark on Uganda’s innovation landscape. Under the theme “Empowering Local Innovators for Global Competitiveness,” the summit brought together a diverse array of stakeholders, including innovators, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and industry experts.
The event, held at the Hive Colab Kampala, was a resounding success, with over 500 participants engaging in keynote speeches, panel discussions, and networking sessions. The summit’s primary objective was to foster a culture of innovation in Uganda, equipping local innovators with the skills, knowledge, and resources required to compete on the global stage.
The Minister of Information, Communication, and Technology, Hon. Nabosa Sebugwawo, reiterated the government’s commitment to creating a conducive environment for innovation. “We recognize innovation’s critical role in driving economic growth, creating employment opportunities, and improving livelihoods. We’ll continue empowering innovators, providing necessary platforms for global competitiveness.”
Mrs. Hafsah Seguya Nabachwa of the Uganda Revenue Authority emphasized the Authority’s commitment to supporting innovators. “We’ve set systems in place to ensure innovators have a sustainable environment to do business. Our IFRIS system has been pivotal in engaging entrepreneurs and innovators, enabling them to manage their businesses smoothly from our portal.”
The summit featured renowned innovation experts, successful entrepreneurs, and industry thought leaders. Participants engaged in insightful discussions on artificial intelligence, blockchain technology, and sustainable innovation.
Event organizer Mr. Lutwama Henry, a distinguished IEEE member and Executive Director, Wocor Powery Technology (U) Limited, stressed the need for Ugandan innovators to scale up and compete internationally. “We can help secure collaborations with international firms. Uganda is poised to become Africa’s Silicon Valley, with a warm environment for foreign investors and a growing consumer base.”
This initiative was made possible through the support of the IEEE Humanitarian Technology Board and the Hipipo Foundation. The exhibition showcased cutting-edge technological solutions developed by local innovators, demonstrating Uganda’s innovation ecosystem’s incredible potential.
The National Innovation Summit has set the stage for a new era of innovation in Uganda, nurturing talent and investing in innovation with endless possibilities.
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