Positioning Uganda’s tech talent for economic growth

Jul 17, 2024

In the years to come, the outcomes of events like the Uganda Developer Summit will be crucial in determining Uganda’s trajectory in the digital economy. 

Michael Niyitegeka

Admin .
@New Vision

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OPINION

By Michael Niyitegeka

The International Finance Corporation of the World Bank Group in a study Demand for Digital Skills in Sub-Saharan Africa estimates that over 230 million jobs will require digital skills by 2030, resulting in almost 650 million training opportunities.

Of these jobs approximately six million jobs will be tech specific. The same report indicates that approximately $130m investment will be required by 2030.

The National Development Plan of Uganda NDP III forecasts that approximately 700,000 jobs will be required or developed for the digital economy. The World Bank’s Report “Uganda Digital Economy Assessment: Country Diagnostic” and “Competing in the Digital Age” report highlight the need for digital skills, if the digital economy is to thrive.

According to the African Development Bank (AfDB), every year around 12 million young people enter the job market, while only three million formal jobs are created.

With 70% of the population below the age of 35, Africa is the youngest continent on Earth, and it is estimated that by 2040 Africa will have the largest youth workforce, surpassing both India and China.

Uganda is slowly and steadily establishing itself as a vital player and key contributor to the technological advancement of Africa.

The country is at a crossroads due to its young and dynamic population coupled with their willingness to use digital tools to advance the economy. The Uganda Developer Summit (UG DevSummit), hosted by Refactory, is a crucial step in catalysing Uganda’s digital transformation.

For the past five years, Refactory has been at the forefront of transforming Uganda’s tech landscape by providing essential in-demand tech skills along with the soft skills that are relevant and needed by the Industry.

As we commemorate our fifth anniversary, we are excited to convene the entire tech ecosystem and its stakeholders in a collaborative space where Uganda’s tech talent can engage, learn and connect.

Uganda’s economy has shown resilience, marked by a GDP growth rate averaging 6% over the past decade, driven by agriculture, services and increasingly, technology.

For its part, the Government has also not been left behind in realising the potential of the tech sector, supporting digital development and innovation centres. Uganda’s tech talent is fuelled by a growing interest in software development and the innovative use of technology to address some of our society’s most pressing issues.

In recent years, Kampala has evolved into a vibrant hub for tech-based companies and startups, buoyed by a growing number of tech-savvy youths. Mobile technology and increasing internet penetration, now at 42%, have catalysed this trend, creating new opportunities across finance (FinTech), healthcare (HealthTech), and agriculture (AgTech).

Despite these advancements, challenges persist. Only 24% of Ugandans have access to the Internet, and the digital skills gap remains significant.

According to a World Bank report, less than 10% of Uganda’s labour force possesses advanced ICT skills such as software engineering, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), data science and cybersecurity. This gap limits the scalability of local startups and hampers Uganda’s ability to compete globally. Inadequate access to capital and mentorship further constrains tech startups.

Uganda’s tech sector attracted $12m in investment in 2022, a fraction of the $1.1b secured by neighbouring Kenya. Regulatory frameworks, though improving, often lag behind technological advancements, creating uncertainties for entrepreneurs and investors.

An ecosystem platform like the Uganda Developer Summit (UG DevSummit) is poised to address these challenges. By bringing together tech talent, employers, developers, regulators and industry leaders, the summit aims to catalyse a dynamic tech community that advances Uganda’s tech industry, drives innovation and fosters a culture of collaboration and growth.

The results of the 2020 Google Developer survey, where it was revealed that Africa boasts 700,000 developers, with Uganda contributing 11,003, underscores the immense potential of Uganda’s tech talent to drive not only the country’s economic growth, but also make a significant impact on Africa’s GDP.

The first of its kind, the UG DevSummit will convene the software engineering tech ecosystem to engage, learn and connect through thematic interactive sessions, hands-on workshops, continuous learning and extensive networking opportunities.

In bringing together local and international experts, the summit will facilitate knowledge exchange and skills development for Uganda’s software engineering tech talent. Masterclasses and technical sessions will equip attendees with the latest software tools and techniques, empowering them to tackle complex challenges and seize emerging opportunities. Networking and collaboration are vital for creating partnerships that drive innovation and help scale solutions from Uganda’s tech ecosystem.

At the UG DevSummit, developers will have the opportunity to connect with potential employers, while investors can discover promising startups. Policymakers will gain firsthand insights into fostering a supportive regulatory environment.

Regulatory frameworks profoundly impact the tech sector’s growth and are essential for creating an environment that encourages investment and innovation.

The summit will provide a platform for policymakers to engage directly with industry stakeholders, fostering dialogue on critical issues such as digital infrastructure, data privacy and intellectual property rights.

As Uganda positions itself for digital economy growth, harnessing its tech talent is paramount. The UG DevSummit promises to be a key milestone in this journey. By addressing current challenges and unlocking new opportunities for innovation, collaboration, and economic prosperity, the summit aims at shaping a future where Uganda’s tech sector thrives on the global stage.

Comparative data with other African nations highlights the urgency and potential for growth. While Uganda’s internet penetration is at 42%, Kenya boasts 85%, and Nigeria 70%. Rwanda has successfully integrated ICT into its education system, with 65% of schools connected to the Internet, compared to Uganda’s 30%. These statistics highlight the need for Uganda to accelerate its digital initiatives to remain competitive.

In the years to come, the outcomes of events like the Uganda Developer Summit will be crucial in determining Uganda’s trajectory in the digital economy. By investing in its people, fostering a supportive ecosystem, and embracing innovation, Uganda can indeed emerge as a beacon of tech-driven progress in Africa and beyond.

The writer is the Executive Director of Refactor

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