By: Robert
Kwaku Annor
Uganda has renewed its call
for stronger collaboration between government and the private sector to
accelerate digital transformation and unlock greater economic opportunities, as
the State of the Digital Economy Conference 2026 opened in Kampala.
The conference, organised by
NextCom under the theme "Beyond Connectivity: Turning Access into
Opportunity," was officially opened by the Minister of ICT and
National Guidance, Rt. Hon. Justine Kasule Lumumba, together with the Permanent
Secretary, Dr. Aminah Zawedde.
Addressing participants,
Minister Lumumba said digital transformation is a shared responsibility that
cannot be achieved by government alone. She stressed the need for closer
partnerships with the private sector to drive innovation, create employment opportunities
for young people and ensure that the benefits of the digital economy are widely
shared.
She noted that collaboration
across government, industry and other stakeholders is essential to translating
digital connectivity into tangible socio-economic development.
Dr. Zawedde highlighted the
government's ongoing efforts to strengthen innovation ecosystems through
partnerships with universities, private sector organisations, development
partners and other stakeholders.
She said these
collaborations are helping to nurture digital talent, support entrepreneurship
and create an enabling environment for innovators to develop solutions that
contribute to Uganda's economic growth.
According to Dr. Zawedde,
expanding innovation ecosystems is central to the country's strategy of
transforming digital access into meaningful opportunities for citizens and
businesses.
The State of the Digital
Economy Conference brings together policymakers, technology leaders,
development partners and industry stakeholders to discuss strategies for
advancing Uganda's digital economy and leveraging technology to drive inclusive
national development.
