On behalf of Hon. Chris Baryomunsi, the Minister of State for National Guidance; Hon. Kabbyanga Godfrey Baluku officially launched the inaugural 2024 ICT National Summit, which builds on the success of the 2023 Technology Information Confederation Africa (TICON Africa) Conference which highlighted Uganda’s potential in digital transformation and technological innovation, there is still a pressing need to solidify this position and address ongoing challenges in the ICT sector.
Scheduled to be held from October 23-24 under the theme “Economic Competitiveness through Strategic and Sustainable Digital Transformation”, the summit will serve as a neutral, collaborative platform for government officials, policymakers, innovators, and digital experts to explore how digital technologies can drive economic growth and national development.
At a press briefing at the Uganda Media Centre, Hon. Kabbyanga called upon the general public, and Ministries, Departments, & Agencies (MDAs) to actively participate in the summit. “Your presence and input are vital to ensuring that the digital transformation agenda is inclusive and that policies around digital literacy, cybersecurity, and infrastructure development are implemented across all sectors,” he said. “We urge you to bring your expertise and collaborate in shaping the future of Uganda’s digital landscape.”
Applauding the Information Communication Technology Authority Uganda (ICTAU) for playing an instrumental role in driving innovation, policy advocacy, and digital transformation across the country, Hon. Kabbyanga noted that the inaugural ICT National Summit is aligned with the goals outlined in the Digital Transformation Roadmap for Uganda (2023-2027) and the East African Community Regional Digital Strategy (2024-2030).”
See also: Gideon Nkurunungi: The ICT National Summit will leverage the digital transformation roadmap
This summit holds particular significance as it marks the 10th anniversary of the ICTAU.
“What began in 2014 as a platform for uniting ICT professionals and organizations has grown into a pivotal force,” said Hon. Kabbyanga. “We are proud of what has been accomplished over the past 10 years, and the ICT National Summit is a reflection of the continued commitment of ICTAU to advancing the ICT agenda in Uganda and beyond.”
The ICT National Summit organized by ICTAU in collaboration with the Ministry of ICT & National Guidance, the National Information Technology Authority Uganda (NITA-U), the Uganda Investment Authority, and industry stakeholders will convene decision-makers, industry leaders, and technology enthusiasts committed to advancing Uganda’s ICT sector.
ICTAU Chairman, Gideon Nkurunungi in his remarks said, “We are not having an event that is only for speeches, the ICT National Summit will feature a lot of solution clinics where people will come and have hands-on experience on emerging technologies.” He added, “We are inviting everyone from all sectors, agriculture, telecommunications, healthcare, education, oil & gas, energy, etc —who are eager to see what technology can do.”
The key emerging technologies that will be highlighted at the summit, showcasing their potential impact on various sectors include artificial intelligence & machine learning, the Internet of Things, health tech, smart agriculture, blockchain technology, fintech, cybersecurity, cloud computing, etc.
Key discussions including Uganda’s roadmap to digital transformation and digital strategies for social impact address the importance of robust digital infrastructure, cloud computing, and cybersecurity in supporting this transformation. By bringing together industry leaders and decision-makers, the summit aims to create actionable insights and partnerships that drive Uganda’s digital agenda.
To be part of this inaugural ICT Summit, visit the summit website to register.
