Prime Minister Nabanja Calls for Collaboration Of Education, ICT & Private Sectors To Drive Digital Skills Development.
Drake Nyamugabwa
The 3rd National ICT Job Fair 2024 which is running from Thursday 21st -22nd November 2024, was opened by the Prime Minister of Uganda Rt. Hon Robinah Nabanja aimed at bringing together stakeholders in the ICT ecosystem, including Panelists in industry experts to discuss recent trends and essential skills needed in the field, Skill-Building Workshops for practical training sessions to enhance job readiness, Networking Opportunities to connect participants with industry leaders, government officials, and fellow innovators, Company Booths to provide personalized career advice and insights into available positions among others.
The two-day fair was themed “Shaping Uganda's Digital Future,” and focused on addressing the skills gap and fostering innovation in Uganda’s tech landscape held at the ICT Hub in Nakawa
While applauding Huawei Technologies and other sponsors for their unwavering support and investment in Uganda’s ICT sector, the Prime Minister said that as the country celebrates ICT achievements, there is still a gap in addressing digital skills development to empower Uganda’s labor force with a competency that matches the current trend of technology.
She said that this can be achieved through a collaboration between different players including the Ministry of ICT, the Ministry of Education, and the private sector.
“As we look to the future, it is imperative to prioritize digital skills development. We must equip our workforce with the competencies needed to excel in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. Collaboration between the Ministry of ICT, the Ministry of Education and Sports, and private sector partners will be instrumental in achieving this goal. I encourage all stakeholders to join us in this effort to shape Uganda’s digital future” she said
The Prime Minster said that “The government remains committed to addressing challenges in the ICT sector, such as reducing the cost of internet access, increasing digital device affordability, and expanding broadband connectivity to every corner of the country. These efforts will ensure that no one is left behind as we advance towards a digitally inclusive society”
While urging the youth to fully utilize the fair to the network, learn, and access the abundant opportunities available, she added that the job fair is a vital platform that bridges the gap between students, young professionals, the government, and the private sector by providing opportunities for employment, internships, mentorship, and skills enhancement in emerging technologies.
The minister of ICT and national Guidance Hon. Dr. Chris Baryomunsi said that “The ICT sector employs over 1.3 million Ugandans and is growing rapidly. We recognize ICT as a priority in our national development plans.”
Panel discussion at the fair
Mr. Ssali Gao, Deputy Managing Director of Huawei Technologies Uganda Co. Ltd., emphasized the essential role of ICT in various industries, pledging to continue supporting the ICT Job fair and all other initiatives in Uganda.
H.E. Zhang Lizhong, Chinese Ambassador to Uganda, praised the event’s success, highlighting China’s collaboration with Uganda in the ICT sector.
Uganda has over 85% of the population under the age of 35. A demographic trend that presents an incredible opportunity to harness the energy, creativity, and talent of our youth in shaping our digital future.
ICT sector employs over 1.3 million Ugandans, with its annual growth rate of 14.8% far outpacing the national GDP growth average.
The government established an ICT Innovation Fund in 2017 to support homegrown innovations and empower our young developers to create solutions for both public and private sector needs.
Robotics exhibition
