• Uganda’s ICT ministry and dfcu Foundation launched a national partnership to expand digital-skills programmes.
• The initiative will scale up “Digital Skilling” centres supporting youth, students, women entrepreneurs and SMEs.
• Uganda aims to boost a competitive digital economy as local startups raised $8m in 2024, $10m in 2023 and $48m in 2022.

The Ugandan government strengthened its national digital-training strategy after the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance signed a strategic partnership with the dfcu Foundation, the philanthropic arm of dfcu Bank, on 19 November.

The ministry and the foundation said the agreement will finance and expand existing “Digital Skilling” initiatives as demand for technology skills increases across the country. The programme will use community technology centres located in several districts to serve as learning hubs for young people, women entrepreneurs, students and small businesses.

The centres will provide training in essential competencies, including professional digital-tools usage, basic programming, cybersecurity and technology-project management.

Aminah Zawedde, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, said: “Our innovation hubs were created to cultivate Uganda’s digital talent and broaden access to ICT services. This partnership strengthens our capacity to deliver on that mission by improving equipment, training and real-world business support. When government and the private sector work together, we move the country forward.”

Aminah Zawedde

The collaboration supports a key government priority: reducing the digital divide that limits technology adoption in rural areas and among low-income populations. Authorities expect practical training to improve local employability and help young people integrate into an increasingly digital labour market. The programme also targets SMEs, which often lack resources to build technological capabilities.

Uganda aims to build a more competitive digital economy able to generate local innovation and attract investment. According to Partech data, Ugandan startups raised $8 million in 2024, $10 million in 2023 and $48 million in 2022.

This article was initially published in French by Adoni Conrad Quenum

Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum