Uganda hosts 2025 Middle East and Africa Digital Transformation Summit

KAMPALA - Uganda has today opened its doors to some of the continent’s and Middle East’s brightest minds and policy influencers as it hosts the Middle East and Africa Digital Transformation Summit 2025, under the theme “Driving Inclusive Socio-Economic Development Through Digital Transformation.”

The three-day high-level summit, taking place at the Kampala Serena Hotel from June 25 to 27, is organised by the COMESA Business Council, HiPipo, and Uganda’s Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, with support from the Ugandan government.

Day one will kick off with a powerful blend of policy direction, investment insight, and visionary keynote speeches focused on leadership, systems change, and digital policy innovation.

According to Innocent Kawooya, HiPipo Co-Founder and CEO, Moses Watasa, Commissioner for Communication and Information Dissemination at the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, will officially open the summit.

The day will feature opening remarks from HiPipo CEO Innocent Kawooya and a keynote by COMESA Business Council President James Chimwaza.

Uganda’s State Minister of ICT, Owek. Joyce Nabosa Sebugwawo will grace the event, with ICT Minister Dr. Chris Baryomunsi and H.E. President Yoweri Museveni is expected to deliver policy-shaping addresses on Uganda’s digital future.

One of the key highlights of the opening session will be the launch of the Uganda–California Technology Forum, a strategic move to connect Uganda’s innovation ecosystem with Silicon Valley expertise.

Led by Peter Kuo (CEO, SIAS International), Joshua Samuel (Founder, Coins for College), and Dr. Henry Byamukama (SIAS Uganda), the forum aims to fast-track startup growth and public sector innovation.

Discussions during the summit’s first day will cover transformative topics such as Islamic finance’s role in inclusive digital innovation, smart agriculture and climate resilience, and financial inclusion for underserved communities.

Prominent speakers and panellists include Prof. Roman Anton Inderst from Goethe University, Forex Bulls Academy CEO Daniel Ahikyirize, and MTN Mobile Money Uganda CEO Richard Yego.

Day Two (Thursday, June 26) will turn the spotlight on investment, innovation, and sectoral impact, beginning with insights from global fintech strategist Matteo Rizzi, and continuing with panels on health tech, consumer protection, digital trade, and online learning. Leading organisations, including Meta, MTN, ClinicPesa, and Makerere University, will take part.

The final day (Friday, June 27) will celebrate youth-led innovation across Africa, featuring the Africa Youth Innovation Challenge and Awards.

HiPipo’s Kawooya said student innovators from universities in Uganda, Kenya, Zambia, Rwanda, Malawi, and Egypt will showcase game-changing solutions in health, education, agriculture, and financial inclusion.

The event will climax with a pitch competition and award ceremony, recognising the continent’s most promising young tech minds.

“The summit positions Uganda not only as a regional digital hub but also as a committed leader in harnessing technology for inclusive development across Africa and the Middle East,” Kawooya said.