Local firm among finalists African award

Aug 23, 2007

UltraTec, the distributor of energy-saving equipment, has been shortlisted among finalists for the 2007 Africa Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) awards.

By David Muwanga

UltraTec, the distributor of energy-saving equipment, has been shortlisted among finalists for the 2007 Africa Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) awards.

The Africa Growth Institute and other institutions are organising a conference and the awards ceremony in line with the African Union’s drive to support and profile the role SMEs play in promoting economic growth.

“The aim of the conference and awards is to support and showcase Africa’s finest entrepreneurial achievements in the sector,” a statement issued by the institute said.

Ugandan firm UltraTec is among 18 companies from South Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, Tanzania, Mauritius and Mali.

The company was nominated in the Most Innovative category with South Africa’s Sugar Bay Resort.
“We submitted our project, which was decentralising solar energy equipment in the country,” the company’s director, Abhay Shah, said.

“Most of the solar equipment is sold in Kampala. When one travels from upcountry to purchase the equipment and gets home when it is not working properly, he/she incurs more expenses,” Shah explained.

“We have established a franchise system whereby solar equipment and services are taken to the people upcountry. They can now get the products at the same prices like in Kampala. This will help them increase productivity and save money,” he said in an interview at the Sheraton Kampala Hotel.

Shah said the company had set up franchises in Kabale, Masaka, Mbarara, Soroti, Tororo, Kampala and Fort Portal, adding that soon, Masindi, Hoima, Arua and Gulu would have the products and services.

“We have so far spent sh55m,” he said.

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