Uganda has set its sights on achieving a $500 billion economy by 2040, with artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, and innovation identified as key drivers of this ambitious goal. This vision was central to discussions at the 3rd National ICT Summit, which was officially opened by Justine Kasule Lumumba, Minister for ICT and National Guidance, representing President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
The summit, organised by the ICT Association of Uganda (ICTAU), brought together stakeholders from across the country’s ICT ecosystem to explore how technology can drive productivity, innovation, value addition, and market expansion.
Lumumba emphasised the need for Uganda to develop home-grown digital solutions while creating more opportunities for citizens to participate in innovation. She also called for universities and other higher education institutions to become stronger centres of research and innovation, with ICT playing a greater role in transforming the economy.
Dr Aminah Zawedde, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, highlighted significant progress in Uganda’s digital transformation. This includes the aggregated procurement of government IT systems, the establishment of six regional ICT hubs to support innovation, and the automation of business registration processes.
Zawedde noted that Uganda’s economic ambition will require sustained annual growth of about 15% to move from an economy valued at approximately $50 billion to $500 billion. She identified the ICT sector as a strategic contributor to achieving this target through digital infrastructure, innovation, and technology-driven productivity.
For the Uganda Institute of Information and Communications Technology (UICT), participation in the summit reinforces its focus on developing a digitally skilled and industry-ready workforce capable of supporting Uganda’s digital transformation and broader economic growth. The institute said the summit also provided a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and innovation among stakeholders in the country’s ICT ecosystem.
The summit underscored the importance of collaboration between government, academia, and the private sector in driving Uganda’s digital transformation. With the right policies, investments, and partnerships, Uganda is positioning itself to leverage technology as a catalyst for economic growth, job creation, and improved service delivery.
As the country works towards its $500 billion economy target, the ICT sector is expected to play a central role in unlocking new opportunities, driving innovation, and ensuring that Uganda remains competitive in the global digital economy.
