Uganda is targeting a US$500 billion economy, with digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence (AI) and innovation expected to help drive the country's tenfold economic growth.
The plan was outlined at the third annual ICT National Summit, a three-day conference held from 2 to 4 September at the National ICT Innovation Hub in Nakawa, Kampala.
Justine Kasule Lumumba, minister for ICT and national guidance, officially opened the summit, which brought together government, the private sector, innovators, development partners and other stakeholders.
Lumumba highlighted the importance of investing in digital skills, strengthening local innovation ecosystems and scaling homegrown solutions that address national challenges and create opportunities for citizens.
“By closing the gaps in digital infrastructure and effectively harnessing data and artificial intelligence as instruments for transformation, we can raise productivity to the required scale needed to realise Uganda’s tenfold growth strategy,” she said.
Lumumba also called for stronger collaboration between government, the private sector, development partners and innovators to ensure the country’s digital transformation is inclusive, sustainable and driven by local talent and innovation.
She called on stakeholders to combat digital fraud, misinformation and other cyber threats.
“Uganda cannot build a $500 billion economy on a foundation of falsehood and fraud,” Lumumba said.
The government is strengthening Uganda’s digital ecosystem through the development of government digital infrastructure, consolidation of ICT systems, investment in digital skills, support for homegrown innovation and expansion of National ICT Innovation Hubs across the country.
The summit was held under the theme, “Leveraging AI, Digital Infrastructure and Innovation to Accelerate Uganda's 10X Growth to a $500 Billion Economy.”
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