The Uganda SOZO Summit 2025 was successfully held on 28th November 2025 at the National ICT Innovation Hub in Nakawa, bringing together innovators, investors, policymakers, development partners, and ecosystem leaders for a day dedicated to strengthening Uganda’s startup landscape. Hosted by the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives in partnership with JICA, Project NINJA, and Hindsight Ventures, the Summit was guided by the theme “Co-create. Co-innovate. Co-thrive with Japan.” The meaning of the word SOZO, “creation” in Japanese, set an inspiring tone for discussions centered on building new opportunities and promoting collaborative innovation.
Throughout the day, participants explored emerging possibilities within Uganda’s vibrant startup ecosystem and examined how deeper cooperation with Japan can accelerate growth. The Summit showcased Uganda’s expanding pipeline of promising startups, allowing founders to engage directly with investors and industry leaders. Attendees followed a rich program of keynote presentations, masterclasses, workshops, and investor dialogues that offered practical insights on market entry, funding strategies, product development, and international partnerships. Exhibitions around the venue highlighted a range of homegrown innovations that demonstrate Uganda’s growing contributions to sectors such as sustainability, science and technology, mobility, agriculture, refugee support, and tourism.
The strong presence of Japanese partners reaffirmed the commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation in innovation and entrepreneurship. Through initiatives like Project NINJA and various JICA-supported programmes, Ugandan startups continue to benefit from technical expertise, mentoring, and access to global networks. The Summit emphasized that combining Japan’s rich experience in technology with Uganda’s youthful and entrepreneurial energy can create meaningful solutions to shared challenges while unlocking new economic opportunities for both nations.
Participants described the Summit as a timely and impactful platform that strengthened relationships within the ecosystem and provided a clear pathway for future collaboration. Many highlighted the value of bringing together diverse stakeholders in one space, enabling productive conversations that will help move innovative ideas from concept to market.
The Ministry extends its appreciation to all partners, speakers, investors, exhibitors, and participants who contributed to the success of the Uganda SOZO Summit 2025. As Uganda continues to position itself as a regional hub for innovation, the Summit stands as an important milestone in advancing co-creation, supporting homegrown talent, and fostering partnerships that drive sustainable, inclusive growth. The Ministry remains committed to building on this momentum and further strengthening cooperation with Japan and other development partners as it works to enhance the country’s innovation and startup ecosystem.
Winfred Nankanja, National Guidance Officer.