• Uganda launched consultations to develop a national strategy on emerging technologies.

• Authorities are examining AI, blockchain, IoT, big data, robotics, cloud computing and quantum computingas drivers of economic growth.

• Uganda ranks 155th globally and 38th in Africain the 2025 Frontier Technologies Readiness Index.

The government of Uganda is exploring new approaches to strengthen its digital transformation strategy. 

The country’s Ministry of Information and Communication Technologies organized sector consultations last week as part of the preparation of a national strategy dedicated to emerging technologies.

The initiative brought together government officials, private companies, universities and industry stakeholders to gather input on the role of advanced technologies in supporting the country’s economic development.

Participants discussed several technological fields, including artificial intelligence, blockchain, the Internet of Things, big data, robotics, cloud computing and quantum computing.

Aminah Zawedde, Uganda’s minister responsible for ICT, emphasized the strategic importance of these decisions.

“Uganda stands at a decisive turning point in its digital transformation journey. The decisions we make today regarding emerging technologies will determine how our economy, institutions and society function for decades to come.”

Ugandan authorities believe these technologies could play a key role in modernizing the country’s economy and public administration. However, Uganda still lags behind in the large-scale adoption of these advanced technologies.

According to the 2025 Frontier Technologies Readiness Index published by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, Uganda ranks 155th globally and 38th in Africa among countries best prepared to adopt frontier technologies.

The report identifies South Africa, Morocco and Mauritius as the leading African countries in this segment.

If Uganda adopts this national framework, the initiative would represent an initial step toward reducing the country’s technological gap. However, several structural challenges could affect the success of the strategy.

Authorities must address issues such as financing constraints, the persistent digital divide, limited rural connectivity and the need to train a larger pool of technology professionals.

These factors will ultimately determine the pace and effectiveness of Uganda’s digital transformation.

This article was initially published in French by Adoni Conrad Quenum

Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum