As 2024 approaches, PC Tech Magazine reflects on the defining stories that shaped the year in technology and innovation. From groundbreaking product launches to digital shifts, 2024 was a testament to Uganda’s and Africa’s tech industry’s relentless drive to evolve.
These stories and many more underscored our commitment to bringing readers the most relevant and insightful coverage in an ever-changing landscape. As we look forward to 2025, we remain dedicated to delivering stories that inform and inspire progress in tech and innovation.
January 2024
- Segun Ogunsanya stepped down as Airtel Africa Plc CEO: Airtel Africa Plc announced the retirement of Segun Ogunsanya from the company stepping down as its CEO. He was succeeded by Sunil Taldar who joined Airtel Africa in October 2023 as Director of Transformation. Ogunsanya said it was a privilege to spend over 12 years of his career at Airtel Africa Plc and was proud of what they as a company had delivered for customers across Africa.
- SafeBoda’s return to Nairobi: SafeBoda’s initial foray into the Kenyan market seemed promising, with rapid user adoption in Nairobi leading to an expansion into Mombasa in May 2019. However, unforeseen challenges prompted the company’s exit in 2020. Fast forward to 2024 pointed to the ride-hailing firm relaunching in Nairobi. “Na tulisema tunaondoka Nairobi? Ah, makosa ni yetu,” said the company in an X post — which translates to “And we said we are leaving Nairobi? Ah, mistakes are ours!”
- MiONE’s smartphone launch: The Minister of ICT and National Guidance; Hon. Chris Baryomunsi launched Mione’s first-ever assembled smartphones in Uganda. Branded U1 and Joy 9, the devices were a culmination of extensive research, pioneering technology, and a deep understanding of the evolving needs of users.
- Toshiba Gulf FZE’s BYODC: “Build Your Own Data Centre [BYODC]” initiative aimed to empower enterprises to build their own data center infrastructure. Mr. Santosh Varghese, Vice President of Toshiba Gulf FZE told journalists “It was the best time to unveil the products in the Ugandan market because of the openings of data centers in Uganda.”
February 2024
- First Web Summit in Doha, Qatar: Web Summit held its first-ever summit in the Middle East — in Doha, Qatar gathering over 15,000+ attendees from 118 countries. 1,043 startups, the largest gathering of startups ever in the Middle East — were selected from 81 countries (Uganda inclusive) to showcase their visions and innovative solutions to attendees including potential investors.
- MTN, Huawei Joint Innovation Technology Lab: MTN Group and Huawei Technologies signed an MoU to construct a Joint Innovation Technology Lab in South Africa, aiming to deepen cooperation in technological innovation. The lab will serve as a neutral platform for collaboration within Africa’s digital ecosystem, accelerating the development, deployment, and adoption of innovative digital solutions driven across Africa.
Other honorable stories: Airtel and UNICEF proposed to accelerate digital learning in Uganda, ChatGPT unveiled Sora, and Elon Musk announced the relocation of SpaceX & Neuralink to Texas & Nevada respectively.
March 2024
- Centenary green data center: Centenary Technology Services undertook a critical assessment of the progress made in the construction of Uganda’s first Tier 3 green data center. The project, a hallmark initiative by the Centenary Group, marked a pivotal moment in the fusion of technological innovation with environmental sustainability, underscoring a new era of digital infrastructure development aligned with eco-friendly principles.
- TowerCo secures $40M: TowerCo of Africa Uganda has secured US$40M (approx. UGX156.2bn) in long-term financing from European development finance partners, including the European Investment Bank, the Development Bank of Austria, and the Belgian Investment Company for Developing Countries to drive the installation of 506 new telecom towers, significantly improving mobile phone network coverage in rural areas of Uganda.
- EIB Global, and Housing Finance Bank investment: In a significant move towards promoting gender-inclusive economic growth, EIB Global, and the Housing Finance Bank unveiled a €50M (approx. UGX212.8bn) investment partnership to support private sector entities, particularly SMEs in Uganda. Half of the investment funds were dedicated to supporting businesses owned or led by women.
- ICT Ministry, ISO refined approach to government comms: The Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, in collaboration with the Internal Security Organization (ISO) pioneered an initiative to refine the approach to government communication. The partnership was key to ensuring that the actions and priorities of the government were communicated effectively, aiming to impact the citizenry’s quality of life positively.
Other stories: The Ministry of ICT opened an Innovation Hub in Soroti, Koa Academy won the MEST Africa Challenge, TikTok and AUC launched a campaign to educate Africans on digital safety, and Chipper Cash faced challenges in US market expansion
April 2024
- Airtel contributes UGX34.8bn to bridge the digital divide across Uganda: Airtel Uganda handed a cheque of UGX34.8bn to the Uganda Communications Commission to support the country’s development of rural communications infrastructure.
- OBRS launch: The Permanent Sectary of the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, Dr. Aminah Zawedde launched the Uganda Registration Services Bureau’s Online Business Registration System (OBRS) to register 873,546 unregistered businesses by the financial year 2026/27. Zawedde said the Ministry believes that embracing a digital transformation will result in significant economic growth by leveraging digital solutions, automation, and online services.
- Liquid, ATC extended public Wi-Fi hotspots across Kampala: Liquid Intelligent Technologies partnered with ATC Uganda to expand the public Wi-Fi network to 320 hotspots across Kampala to enhance users’ online experience and connectivity, without the need for data contracts. Liquid is supporting the government’s 2022 announcement of installing 2,000 free Wi-Fi hotspots across the country, extending internet access to even remote areas.
Other stories: Transsion Holdings acquires land in Mukono, Invest in women, MTN Group part ways with TBWA, M-KOPA unveiled e-Bikes for Kenyan drivers, and SafeBoda introduces EV tier.
May 2024
- Huawei Cloud Startup Program launch: Rt. Hon. Rukia Nakaddama the 3rd Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Uganda launched the Huawei Cloud Startup Program aimed at propelling SMEs into the digital era. Ms. Sooma Mukyala Fouziya, the Public Relations Manager at Huawei Technologies Uganda Co. Ltd said the initiative aims to support 500 SMEs with ICT solutions like cloud services to grow their businesses so that in the long run, the country boasts of an intelligent economy where all businesses are digitalized.
- Eassy cable down: Internet service providers across East Africa acknowledged there had been a problem with the region experiencing slow/intermittent internet. The patchy service was a result of faults in the under-sea cables that connect the region to the rest of the world through South Africa. The Eassy cable had been cut some 45km north of the South African port city of Durban.
- SPIRO secured $50M from Afreximbank: Spiro signed heads of terms for a US$50 million (approx. UGX187.6bn) debt facility with Afreximbank to enhance sustainable transportation in Africa. The funds were utilized to expand Spiro’s network of automated swap stations and introduce new electric bike models, enhancing the accessibility, and convenience of green mobility solutions.
- Uganda ICT university students win Huawei global competition: ICT students from Gulu and Muni University won the 2023/24 grand prize at the 8th annual Huawei ICT Global competition in Shenzhen, China beating their competitors across the world. This became Uganda’s first grand prize win since the inauguration of the Huawei ICT competitions.
- Ugandan startups forge partnerships at GITEX: Hive Colab, Ntakye Holdings, and Canine Safaris have secured partnerships with South Korean companies at GITEX Africa in Marrakech, Morocco.
June 2024
- The government pledges UGX32.5bn to KMC: Kiira Motors Corporation (KMC), a state enterprise established to commercialize the electric vehicle (EV) project building 2,500 vehicles capacity per year, thus, the government pledged UGX32.5 billion to KMC in the next financial year to complete their state-of-the-art plant in Jinja Industrial Park and build even more EVs.
- ‘Uber for Waste’ received a US$19,000 grant from RAE: Yo-Waste was among the runners-up of the Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation receiving a cash prize of 15,000 Pounds (approx. US$19,000, UGX70.5M) to support its development and scaling.
- Roke Telkom, USAID expanded internet to rural areas: The U.S. government through USAID joined Roke Telkom and launched a new telecommunications site in Yumbe district. The partnership aimed to support Uganda’s digital ecosystem by decreasing the costs of co-location and wholesale services for ISPs nationwide, leading to more affordable internet services for individuals and businesses.
July 2024
- ITU Secretary-General applauds the digital transformation roadmap: The Digital Transformation Roadmap, a collaborative effort between the Ministry of ICT & National Guidance, UNDP Uganda, and Centenary Technology Services received notable recognition from ITU Secretary-General, Doreen Bogdan-Martin, highlighting the roadmap as a pioneering initiative that sets a benchmark for other nations aiming to enhance their digital infrastructure.
- Museveni allowed Huawei’s proposal to build a digital village: In a meeting with President Yoweri Museveni, Huawei Technologies Uganda proposed establishing a Digital Village Prototype. The president expressed strong support for the project authorizing the team to proceed with the smart village project which he will come to commission upon completion.
Other stories: CanalBox launched in Uganda, Ps. Aminah Zawedde opens UG Dev Summit, TekJuice launches in Uganda, and Innovate Africa launched with US$2.5M angel fund to back 20 startups
August 2024
- Microsoft Azure Stack in Uganda: Uganda became the fifth African Nation where Liquid Intelligent Technologies deployed Microsoft Azure Stack, which is indicative of their expertise in partnering with businesses of all sizes to digitally transform.
- His Majesty Mswati III at KMC: King Mswati III of Eswatini, his wife Queen Inkhosikati LaMashwama, and other high-level delegates paid a courtesy tour of the Kiira Vehicle Plant in Jinja. He praised Uganda for undertaking such a significant project and welcomed the proposal for a partnership between Uganda and Eswatini to localize the manufacture of vehicle components, which could position Africa as a global automotive hub.
- Bank of Uganda grants Flutterwave and NALA licences: The Bank of Uganda granted Flutterwave a Payment Systems Operator (PSO) license positioning them to significantly impact Uganda’s rapidly growing digital payments space. On the other hand, the bank also granted an International Money Transfer Operator (IMTO) licence which aligns with its commitment to fostering financial inclusion and supporting Uganda and Africa’s economic growth.
Other stories: The Judiciary’s ICT Committee formulated a strategy to revolutionize the Judiciary’s ICT and Documentation landscape, and Raxio Group inaugurated its $30M data centre in Kinshasa
September 2024
- Liquid boosts Kenya-Uganda 1,300km fibre network: Liquid Intelligent Technologies announced the upgrade of its 1,300km fibre route connecting Kenya’s east coast city of Mombasa to Busia on the Ugandan border, bringing additional multi-terabit capacity and resilience to the region.
- Burundi receives Starlink service: Elon Musk’s ambitious satellite internet service, Starlink became available in Burundi. The arrival of Starlink in the country marked a significant milestone in the country’s connectivity landscape. By providing high-speed internet to even the most remote regions, Starlink has the potential to drive economic growth and transform the lives of millions of Burundians.
- Apple ‘Glowtime’ Event: Apple at its Glowtime Event held at its headquarters in Cupertino, California officially launched the iPhone 16, Watch Series 10, and AirPods 4.
Other stories: Raxio Group launched its fifth data centre in Cote d’Ivoire
October 2024
- Gov’t launch UBC Front Bench: The Ministry of ICT and National Guidance launched a new program, UBC Front Bench to offer Ugandans a clear understanding of government operations by engaging them directly with ministers, permanent secretaries, and other key officials from different MDAs.
- Uganda E-mobility Association launch: The Minister for Science, Technology, and Innovation, Dr. Monica Musenero launched the Uganda Electric Mobility Association, setting the foundation for the country to become a leader in electric mobility (e-mobility) innovation and adoption.
- GWM showroom and Tank 500 SUV flagship launched in Uganda: Eng. Dr. Timothy Tibesigwa launched and opened the GWM showroom and the debut of the Tank 500 flagship SUV in Uganda. The launch marked an important step in expanding the accessibility of advanced technological vehicle models in Uganda and supporting national infrastructure development goals.
Other stories: Dr. Aminah Zawedde was honored with the ICDL Africa Award, Yellow Card raised US$33M in series C funding, and Farmpawa secured US$100,000 from Milken-Motsepe.
November 2024
- SIIPS 2024 Report: AfricaNenda in partnership with the World Bank, and UNECA launched the State of Inclusive Instant Payment Systems (SIIPS) 2024 Report in Accra, Ghana which highlights the extraordinary growth of Instant Payment Systems across Africa and explores their impact on financial inclusion.
- UICT launches AVR Cluster Center: UICT launched its state-of-the-art Augmented and Virtual Reality Cluster Center to reshape how Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Innovation subjects are taught, to equip students with critical digital skills for the future job market.
- YSAU closing phase one: The closing of phase one of the Youth Startup Academy’s (YSA) accelerator program in Uganda marked a milestone in a journey that began in 2022, demonstrating the transformative impact of collaboration, knowledge exchange, and strategic partnerships on Uganda’s entrepreneurship landscape.
Other stories: FIA Uganda receives Institutional Appreciation Award, and Pebuu Africa and Hamilton Telecom partnered to accelerate digital transformation in Uganda
December 2024
- NBI Phase 5 launch: Just before meeting with the Karamoja leaders, President Yoweri Museveni launched Phase 5 of the National Backbone Infrastructure (NBI) to extend internet connectivity to Karamoja, Lango, and Acholi sub-regions. This marks Uganda’s commitment to digital transformation and ensuring connectivity for its citizens.
- YEU victorious at the EnjoyAI Global Final: The Young Engineers Uganda (YEU) teams made headlines after emerging victorious at the ENJOY AI 2024, which took place in Shanghai, China. Competing fiercely against teams from various countries, they demonstrated technical prowess, creativity, and teamwork—qualities essential for success in today’s fast-evolving technological landscape.
- Airtel Uganda and K2 Telecom partnership renewal: Airtel Uganda and K2 Telecom renewed their partnership, reaffirming their shared commitment to providing innovative telecommunication services to Ugandans. The partnership, which initially began in 2018 allowed K2 telecom customers to access Airtel Uganda’s full range of services, including phone, internet, and mobile money.
See also: Pictorial: 2024 Tech-en in Photos
