The startup ecosystem of Uganda is set to experience significant growth with the same momentum in the past year, as we dive into the new year. 2024 was a remarkable one for the Ugandan tech industry, with startups emerging in all sectors and drawing global attention.
Uganda’s tech industry made up over 2.5% of the country’s gross domestic product in 2024 and is expected to grow by more than 8% by the end of 2025. Innovative startups that tackled local issues and created global solutions were the driving force behind this growth.
With the government promoting innovation alongside a new fiscal year forecast of 7 percent for the year 2024/2025, this growth is expected to be driven by increased oil and gas activity, expansion of exports, and a rise in tourism. Furthermore, agro-industrialization, light manufacturing, and private investment growth with foreign direct investment should create fertile ground for startups under the government.
The list of startups to watch in Uganda for the digital economy is growing, and it is important to remember that these companies are not only contributing to technological innovation but also playing a crucial role in shaping the country.
These are some of the startups we look forward to seeing make strides and succeed this year;
EduTech: Club Tangaza
Club Tangaza is revolutionizing the education technology landscape in Uganda. This online tech skilling platform is designed to equip kids, teens, and beginners with essential coding and computer literacy skills for the digital age.
Club Tangaza’s comprehensive approach includes online instruction accessible from anywhere in the world, expert-led courses that make coding engaging for young learners and flexible schedules that complement mainstream schooling. By fostering critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and creativity, Club Tangaza is not just teaching coding but preparing a generation of tech-savvy innovators.
The platform’s impact extends beyond individual learners, as it actively partners with schools to integrate coding and computer literacy into academic curricula, potentially transforming Uganda’s educational landscape.
See also: In-depth with techpreneur Cleopatra Kanyunyuzi, the founder of Club Tangaza
FinTech: Kawu
Kawu is changing the game in student finance management, addressing a long-standing issue in Ugandan boarding schools. This innovative fintech startup has developed a digital platform that modernizes how students handle their pocket money.
Kawu provides students with a smart card linked to their account, allowing parents to send money directly and set spending limits. This system offers students financial independence while teaching them valuable money management skills. It provides parents peace of mind and control over their children’s spending. Schools benefit from a streamlined system that reduces administrative burdens.
With over 1,000 students already using the platform across 20 schools, Kawu is well-positioned for significant growth in 2025, demonstrating how fintech solutions can address uniquely local challenges while promoting broader financial inclusion.
EV: Yongeza Capital
Yongeza Capital is spearheading Uganda’s e-mobility revolution with its innovative approach to electric motorcycles. The startup’s mission is to make clean, affordable transportation accessible to everyone through cutting-edge battery-swapping technology.
Yongeza Capital has strategically partnered with Oryx Energies Uganda Limited to install charging points at select service stations, allowing riders to swap depleted batteries for fully charged ones in less than a minute.
This practical and scalable approach not only reduces carbon emissions in Uganda’s bustling cities but also offers significant cost savings for riders, with estimates suggesting up to 30% reduction in fuel costs compared to traditional internal combustion engines.
By leveraging existing infrastructure, Yongeza Capital is rapidly expanding its network of charging points, making e-mobility an increasingly viable option for more Ugandans.
EV: eBee
eBee is taking a different approach to sustainable urban mobility with its focus on electric bicycles. Operational in Uganda since late 2021, this pan-African e-mobility company aims to put one million e-bicycles on African roads.
eBee’s value proposition is compelling, offering e-bicycles that are 2 to 3 times more affordable than petrol motorbikes and ideal for last-mile deliveries and urban commutes. The company’s business model includes both sales and rentals, making e-mobility accessible to a wider range of users.
What sets eBee apart is its focus on job creation, operating a fleet of last-mile delivery riders, and creating green jobs for women and youth. This approach not only promotes sustainable transportation but also contributes to economic empowerment. With its ambitious goals, eBee is poised to have a transformative impact on urban mobility and sustainability in Uganda and beyond.
Telecommunications: Talkio Mobile
Talkio Mobile is set to disrupt Uganda’s telecommunications sector as a new Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO). The company promises to deliver innovative, affordable services to Ugandan consumers, offering a full suite of services including voice, data, SMS, and mobile money.
Talkio Mobile plans to leverage advanced technologies like 5G and WIFI6, potentially allowing users to build custom bundles. This customer-centric approach could revolutionize how Ugandans access and use mobile services. As an MVNO, Talkio Mobile can offer competitive pricing without heavy infrastructure investments, potentially leading to better services and lower prices for consumers.
The company’s entry into the market is expected to increase competition and drive innovation in a sector that is ripe for disruption, making it a startup to watch closely in 2025.
See also: Talkio Mobile partners with Banana Life Investments to expand its services nationwide
It is not a secret that the startup landscape in 2025 is projected to be significantly influenced by emerging technologies (and) prevailing trends. Artificial Intelligence (AI), blockchain, and sustainable solutions are expected to assume pivotal roles in tackling local challenges (and) fostering scalable enterprises.
The government’s Digital Transformation Roadmap—designed to enhance economic competitiveness through digital services, infrastructure, (and) innovation—should provide a robust foundation for tech startups to build upon.
Furthermore, Uganda’s participation in global tech events and accelerator programs is anticipated to continue, providing startups with invaluable exposure and networking opportunities. The success of initiatives like the Youth Startup Academy Uganda (YSAU), which aims to support over 1000 Ugandan entrepreneurs, is likely to bear fruit in 2025, potentially producing more globally competitive startups.
