In a bid to empower innovators through collaborations, the UJ Connect project, implemented by the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance in partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has enabled Ugandan startups to break into global markets.
The project aims to generate 6,000 jobs in Uganda’s ICT sector, contributing to the country’s digital transformation roadmap. This initiative has supported a number of Ugandan startups, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the country.
One such story is that of SUMIC IT Solutions Ltd, a tech startup that has thrived with the support of the UJ Connect project.
Founded by Cirus Sumika, SUMIC IT Solutions aims to build Africa’s leading digital transformation company, empowering micro, small, and medium enterprises with affordable and scalable tech solutions.
From launching SUMICOnline an e-commerce platform connecting Ugandan businesses to global suppliers, to training software engineers through SUMIC International Academy, SUMIC’s mission has always centred on growth, innovation, and skills development. However, breaking into international markets proved to be a hurdle until he joined the UJ connect project which enabled him to be merged with at two Japanese companies Fvital Inc and e-Ftax Co Ltd who majorly focused on creating mobile applications and AI-powered solutions. This has provided him with a platform present his ideas on the global scene increasing his Partnership from 2 to 5 clients within months.
The impact of these partnerships have been significant to Sumic IT Solutions with :
- Global expansion. Sumic is now working with 5 Japanese companies and is carrying out intiatives to expand to the UK.
- Revenue Growth: Currently 70% of the company’s revenue is now driven by foreign-based Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) services.
- Capacity Building: Aligning training to meet international standards in tech, language, and culture.
Cirus Sumika, describes the UJ Connect project as “A golden opportunity that unlocked doors previously inaccessible to him and other Ugandan innovators and has provided them with a global mindset to scale”.
Patnering these innovators with Japanese companies under the business matching mission within the project has opened up new opportunities for Ugandan startups, enabling them to tap into global markets and drive economic growth.
Sumika dreams to globally expand his company’s presence and hopes to launch his first overseas offices in Kobe, Japan in 2026 and is also making intiatives to tap into the Tech market of UK. “I evision myself opening up SUMIC IT Solutions first overseas offices in 2026 in Kobe a city West of Japan” say’s Cirus.
As the UJ Connect project continues to support Ugandan innovators, we look forward to seeing more success stories emerge. With a commitment to empowering Ugandan innovators and driving the growth of the ICT sector, the National ICT Innovation Hub remains poised to make a lasting impact on Uganda’s economy and achieve Vision 2040.
Watch NOW: UJ Connect Project Launches a Ugandan Tech Startup, SUMIC IT Solutions Ltd, onto the Global Stage
Innovation Knows No Borders – Winfred Nankanja