For as long as I can remember, Uganda has sung the song of Agriculture for transformation. This narrative must evolve given the overwhelming population growth by more than double by 2050.

It is not with-standing that the digital economy presents a great opportunity to a country like Uganda. The young people and digital adaptability are synonymously correlated. 

This already presents an impressive opportunity to leverage. As the country prepares for another national budget, the digital economy should be viewed not merely as a technology agenda, but as a national jobs and competitiveness strategy, as captured in the NewVision

With one of the youngest populations in the world, Uganda has an opportunity to become a hub for software development, digital services, innovation, remote work or everything Business Process Outsourcing (BPO). While in the presidents’ recent State of the Nation Address, he mentioned the 31 products that Uganda is exporting since the last 15 years and ICT was number 4 on the list; Pharmacutical, refined Gold, Steel, ICT, Ceramics, Diary products and others.

H.E Yoweri Kaguta Tubuhaburwa Museveni

However, given the potential of digital economy on the global market, for ICT to get into the lead of contributing to the Ugandan GDP, it will require deliberate investment by government, schools and the private sector. Every young Ugandan should acquire foundational digital literacy and access to digital tools, while greater emphasis is placed on coding, software engineering, cybersecurity, data analytics, artificial intelligence and digital entrepreneurship.

Government must prioritize affordable internet access, modern digital tools, digital infrastructure and practical technology education from primary school to university. Schools and training institutions need to move beyond theory and equip learners with hands-on experience through projects, internships and innovation programmes. The private sector must work closely with academia, support apprenticeship schemes and create pathways for young developers to gain real-world experience. TechBuzz Hub under its Graduate Professionals Apprenticeship Program (GPAP) and internships provide an academia to industry benchmark model for private sector players where graduates get an equivalent of two years of work experience in three months.

Keneth Twesigye – The CEO – TechBuzz Hub

The countries that will prosper in the future are those preparing their youth for a digital economy today. If Uganda invests strategically in digital skills and innovation, it will not only produce world-class digital enthusiasts, software engineers and tech professionals, but also create sustainable jobs, attract investment and unlock inclusive economic growth for generations to come.Keneth Twesigye – CEO TechBuzz Hub, Google Digital Skills Trainer, Startup Policy Lead – Startup Uganda, Startup Policy Volunteer – Ministry of Trade, Industry and Coorporatives, Board member AfriLabs, Lead African Policy Tool Kit