UN Technology Bank conducts scoping mission in Uganda to support technology needs assessment

By:  Nana Appiah Acquaye

The United Nations Technology Bank for the Least Developed Countries has completed a scoping mission in Kampala aimed at supporting Uganda’s Technology Needs Assessment, a key initiative aligned with the country’s long-term ambition to achieve tenfold economic growth by 2040.

The mission engaged the Science, Technology and Innovation Secretariat at the Office of the President, alongside line ministries responsible for ICT, education, trade, agriculture and finance. Discussions focused on identifying how targeted technology solutions can advance Uganda’s four strategic development pillars of agroindustry, tourism, minerals, and science, technology and innovation.

As part of the engagement, the delegation undertook site visits to Makerere University’s Innovation Lab and the Deep Tech Centre of Excellence. These visits highlighted the growing strength of Uganda’s innovation ecosystem and demonstrated how investment in research and development is translating into locally developed, high-technology solutions with commercial and market potential.

A key moment of the mission was a meeting with the Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation, Hon. Dr. Monica Musenero Masanza. The engagement followed the conclusion of the Made-in-Uganda electric bus roadshow from Kampala to Cape Town, which showcased Uganda’s homegrown technological capabilities and its emerging leadership in regional innovation.

The scoping mission identified several priorities to guide the Technology Needs Assessment process, including the importance of strengthening innovation ecosystems rather than isolated interventions, promoting inclusive technology adoption that creates jobs and builds skills, and ensuring a clear national vision supported by strong institutional commitment.

The mission reaffirmed the role of technology as a catalyst for development when it is closely aligned with national priorities, inclusive growth objectives and effective leadership. The UN Technology Bank expressed appreciation to the Government of Uganda, participating ministries, the UN Resident Coordinator Leonard Zulu, the United Nations system in Uganda and UN-OHRLLS for their collaboration and support, as work on Uganda’s Technology Needs Assessment continues.