Dubai is currently holding its Expo 2020 which runs until March 31st 2022. Uganda will be represented in the closing stages by a group of young innovators and Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) practitioners. According to Dr. Aminah Zawedde, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, Uganda has made steps to foster growth among innovators and BPO practitioners.
“We are committed to identifying, supporting and growing those that are plying their trade in ICT. The Dubai Expo is where they can experience breakthrough technologies and learn about disruptive innovations that we are confident, they will bring back home,” Zawedde said.
The permanent secretary cited Uganda’s participation in the Dubai Expo 2020 as a good opportunity for the country to demonstrate its national aspirations and steps towards digitalization, innovation and some of its benefits, like the ability to connect people.
“The Dubai Expo 2020 is the ‘World Cup’ of innovation and BPO. Having our young people present is an opportunity we couldn’t let pass.” She adds, “We are committed to identifying, supporting, and growing those that are plying their trade in ICT. The Dubai Expo is where they can experience breakthrough technologies and learn about disruptive innovations that we are confident; they will bring back home. “
She added that Uganda’s participation in the Dubai Expo 2020 will be an opportunity to illustrate the country’s national aspirations in promoting digitalization, innovation and its ability to connect people.
“…the physical presence of the innovators/BPO practitioners at the Dubai Expo will be an opportunity to market Ugandan innovations and position them to benefit export opportunities for Ugandan enterprises in the global market,” she said.
The government announced that innovators will be selected from a pool of those that have demonstrated interest and responded to the national call that was issued by the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance on the 28th of January 2022 in the media. Potential participants have up to 5th February 5, 2022 to make their application before the selection is closed.
The National BPO and Innovation Council, led by Prof. William Bazeyo, will lead the adjudication and award of a place on Team Uganda. The effort is a collaborative effort on the part of Ugandan innovators as well as private companies such as fintechs, technology companies, telecommunications companies, and banks.
Additionally, the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance will launch a campaign that will showcase and celebrate the hard work of Ugandan players in the local innovation ecosystem.
