In a landmark collaboration, the Ministry of ICT & National Guidance and dFCU Foundation have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen strategic partnerships aimed at advancing Uganda’s ICT innovation ecosystem. The MoU establishes a framework for joint initiatives that will support innovation-driven socio-economic development across the country.
The signing ceremony, witnessed by the Innovation Hub team, including Flavia Opio, Team Lead, Innovations, formalized a commitment to collaborate on programs that empower startups, youth, and women-led micro, small, and medium enterprises. Key areas of collaboration include the donation of computers pre-installed with the SOMA e-learning platform, capacity-building programs, mentorship, innovation challenges, hackathons, and access to financial and non-financial support.
Through this partnership, dFCU Foundation will provide digital tools, mentorship, and training programs, including financial literacy, digital skills, business formalization, and market access facilitation. Meanwhile, the Ministry of ICT & National Guidance will leverage its ICT hubs, co-working spaces, and technical expertise to support innovators and MSMEs, ensuring that Uganda’s digital ecosystem thrives and aligns with the country’s Vision 2040 goals.
At the event, dfcu Foundation Executive Director, Mabel Ndawula, shared:
“Our goal is to empower communities with the skills & knowledge that support sustainable business growth. Digital literacy is now essential for every stage of that journey.”
“This MoU reflects our shared commitment to fostering an environment where ICT innovation can flourish, and where startups and MSMEs have the support, they need to succeed in the digital economy,” said Dr. Aminah Zawedde, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of ICT & National Guidance.
The partnership demonstrates a strategic public-private collaboration, creating opportunities for Uganda’s next generation of innovators while contributing to national development priorities. Both parties will jointly monitor progress, implement capacity-building initiatives, and promote visibility for ICT innovation success stories.
This collaboration marks a significant step toward positioning Uganda as a regional hub for technological innovation and digital entrepreneurship, strengthening the foundation for inclusive growth and sustainable socio-economic transformation.
Winfred Nankanja, National Guidance