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Uganda strengthens digital competitiveness through international ICT partnership

More than 6,000 Ugandans—including government officials, youth, and entrepreneurs—took part in training sessions on digital literacy, cybersecurity, ICT planning, and emerging technologies as part of a major digital development effort aimed at boosting Uganda’s competitiveness in the regional and global digital economy.

The project, Technical Assistance and Training to Uganda on National ICT Development Strategy (2021–2025), was a collaboration between the Government of Uganda and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), supported by China’s Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund and ITU’s ICT Development Fund.

This effort tackled major obstacles to digital progress in Uganda, guided by the country’s Digital Vision and Third National Development Plan. These included limited ICT infrastructure, regulatory gaps, and low digital literacy. It also contributed to key Sustainable Development Goals such as reducing poverty, improving education, boosting economic growth, and encouraging innovation.

Activities focused on shaping digital policy, building skills, and piloting new ideas. Policy work addressed ten technical priorities, including broadband access and last-mile connectivity, access for persons with disabilities, infrastructure sharing, local ICT device manufacturing, AI and emerging technologies, big data, and green data centres. These efforts helped lay the foundation for a more inclusive and forward-looking digital ecosystem.

More than 200 entrepreneurs across Uganda participated in “techpreneurship mentoring programmes
Above, a session of the Techpreneur Skilling and Mentoring Pilot Project in Kampala, Uganda.

Early stakeholder engagement helped shape training courses on digital literacy, cybersecurity, ICT planning, and emerging technologies to align with Uganda’s national priorities. The project also launched four pilot efforts, including:

  • Two “techpreneurship” mentorship programmes that supported 200 entrepreneurs across the country
  • A connectivity monitoring initiative that used motorcycle drivers to gather real-time data
  • An open data pilot to support student research and innovation

The Ministry of ICT and National Guidance led national implementation, while the ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau provided technical expertise and oversight. Stakeholders were involved throughout to ensure the work remained aligned with national priorities.

Entrepreneurs participate in Pitch Day in Arua, in northwestern Uganda.
Early collaboration with stakeholders shaped digital literacy and cybersecurity training to match Uganda’s national priorities. Above, mentees in Kampala.

Key outcomes included the development of 10 national ICT policy documents and Uganda’s first frameworks for emerging technologies like AI and 5G.

This is an ITU Development #DigitalImpactUnlocked story

About the Project

The Technical Assistance and Training to Uganda on National ICT Development Strategy (2021–2025) project was led by the Government of Uganda and ITU, with support from China’s Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund and ITU’s ICT Development Fund.

Visit the project page for more details.