Museveni tasks scientists to develop locally manufactured lCT equipment
“I challenge you, the scientists, the private sector, the innovators, to go deep… Let us also talk about manufacturing ICT equipment right here in Africa instead of importing used computers from Europe.”
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja (centre) at the opening of the Middle East and Africa Digital Transformation Summit 2025 in Kampala at Serena Hotel yesterday. (Photos by Mpalanyi Ssentongo)
By Nelson Mandela Muhoozi
Journalists @New Vision
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President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has challenged scientists and innovators across Africa and the Middle East to shift focus from importing second-hand Information and Communications Technology (ICT) equipment to manufacturing their own technologies locally.
In a speech delivered by Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja at the opening of the Middle East and Africa Digital Transformation Summit 2025 in Kampala at Serena Hotel yesterday, Museveni called for deeper innovation, enhanced collaboration, and homegrown solutions to close the continent’s persistent digital divide.
“This summit must not end in nice PowerPoint presentations,” Museveni emphasized, further noting, “I challenge you, the scientists, the private sector, the innovators, to go deep… Let us also talk about manufacturing ICT equipment right here in Africa instead of importing used computers from Europe.”
The President said that the summit, hosted for the first time in Uganda, presents a “high-potential forum for learning, sharing and networking” on emerging technologies.
He reiterated that digital transformation remains a core pillar of Uganda’s socio-economic strategy, with the government actively prioritizing ICT to boost inclusive development.
“Here in Uganda, we have Digital Transformation as a priority government program and a core pillar we are harnessing for improved and inclusive socio-economic growth and development,” Museveni stated, adding, “Our policy direction strongly supports expanding digital technologies—be it software development, building data centers, or investing in affordable internet infrastructure.”
Collaboration in building digital skills among youth
Beyond digital infrastructure, the President highlighted Uganda’s openness to collaboration in building digital skills among youth, expanding innovation hubs, and rolling out faster, cheaper internet access.
“We are similarly open to collaboration in skills development for young ICT innovators, providing cheaper and faster internet, among others. Uganda is ripe for investment,” he said.
Museveni also directed the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance to comprehensively document the summit’s resolutions, especially areas that present deeper collaboration opportunities.
He encouraged the Ministry to work closely with COMESA Business Council, HiPipo Foundation, and other development partners to ensure actionable follow-up.
Relatedly, State Minister for ICT, Joyce Nabosa Sebugwawo, underscored the summit’s role in fostering inclusive digital growth.
“This summit marks a significant milestone in our collective efforts to harness the power of digital transformation… Uganda remains deeply committed to regional cooperation in digital innovation, infrastructure development, and skills enhancement,” said Sebugwawo.
She urged participants to place people at the center of digital strategies, saying: “The digital revolution we envision must uplift communities, empower youth and women, enhance service delivery, and bridge the digital divide.”
HiPipo chief executive officer, Innocent Kawooya, described the summit as a defining moment for Africa and the Middle East, regions with a combined population of over 1.4 billion people—the youngest and fastest-growing demographic globally.
“The least we can do is to fully maximize our digital dividend, leveraging digital capacity to deliver meaningful value for our people, especially women, youth, and children,” Kawooya remarked.
ICT Minister Chris Baryomunsi hailed the President’s vision of making ICT central to national transformation. He noted that Uganda’s ICT sector already employs over 1.3 million people and is poised for further expansion.
“We are seeing greater possibilities to expand digital infrastructure, e-government services and e-commerce,” Baryomunsi said, further noting, “We must shape, drive, and sustain a digital agenda that delivers even bigger rewards for Africa and the Middle East.”
He committed that the government would strengthen partnerships with organizations like the COMESA Business Council and HiPipo to explore more collaborations and bridge existing digital gaps within Africa and beyond.
Prof. Lawrence Mugisha of Makerere University lauded Uganda’s role as host, noting that “uniting two regions through technology is key to economic and social transformation.”
The opening session saw 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 covered transformative topics such as Islamic finance’s role in inclusive digital innovation, smart agriculture and climate resilience, and financial inclusion for underserved communities.
Today's discussions turned the spotlight on investment, innovation, and sectoral impact, beginning with insights from global fintech strategist Matteo Rizzi, and continuing with panels on healthtech, consumer protection, digital trade, and online learning. Leading organizations 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’ 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, recognizing 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.
With Uganda positioning itself as a regional tech hub, Museveni said Africa must move from consumption to creation in the digital realm, and this summit should mark a turning point.
“Let this summit in Kampala be a forum at which we add major building blocks towards developing and sustaining a digital transformation agenda that works for Africa, the Middle East, and humanity across our globe,” he said.
The historic summit which will continue through June 27 gathered over 3,000 visionaries and change-makers, to deliberate on strategies that can shape the future of a connected and inclusive Middle East and Africa.