Gov’t, Cente-Tech partnership to promote growth opportunities for youth: Minister Baryomunsi
Drake Nyamugabwa
Minister for ICT and National Guidance, Dr. Chris Baryomuns has applauded Centenary Technology Services, the ICT subsidiary for Centenary Bank for partnering with the government which he said will go a long way in creating growth opportunities or the youth in Uganda.
Centenary Technology Services (Cente-Tech), signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance aimed at transforming the youth through technology innovative initiatives.
Minister for ICT and National Guidance, during the signing ceremony held at the Centenary bank, on 14th April 2022, noted that this partnership provides opportunities for young innovators who fit within the National Development Plan.
“As a nation, we cannot become Africa’s Innovation powerhouse if all we can afford is to take 5 young innovators to expos, we need to transform the thousands of youth by providing them growth opportunities,” he said.
Adding that “The Government partnership with Cente Tech means that the demand that Cente-Tech unlocks via the vast network of schools, hospitals, markets, parishes, universities, is an opportunity for our young innovators,” he added.
He said that if Ugandais to grow fast there is need digitally drive all activities which he said is recipe for job creation, spurring innovation, boosting economic growth and supporting long-term competitiveness in the global digital economy.
“I thank Cente-Tech for enabling a commercialisation and sustainability path that our young innovators can take on – once our young people get more revenue, they create more jobs. We are indeed primed to become Africa’s Innovation Powerhouse,” he said.
The Centenary Group Chairman Prof. Ddumba Ssentamu informed the delegation from the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance that although they have evolved from a bank into a Group, they remain focused on providing affordable solutions for the population.
“Hon. Minister, I am happy to inform you that the Centenary brand has since transformed from being a bank into a Group structure. Our Vision is to be the preferred Group in financial inclusion and innovative business solutions,” he said.
“We are hoping that within one year, the Group will have established three additional companies; Centenary Investment Services, Centenary Property Development, and Management Company, and an insurance company,” he added.
The signed MoU will enable Cente-Tech extend its expertise through ICT advisory and consultancy services to support the Ministry of ICT & National Guidance in developing strategies, implementing infrastructure related services and sharing Cente-Tech’s global & local combined 75 years experience and knowledge to resolve some of the issues faced by Uganda in the ICT sector.
