The Ministry of Finance is set to open up a new ICT hub in Entebbe, covering 17 acres, which will provide workspace and resources for startups. The free access to the internet and technology tools will be provided at the center to support the youth in innovation.
This was revealed by Jimmy Mugunga, the Executive Director of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Unit at Uganda’s Ministry of Finance, while speaking to the media on November 19, 2024, during celebrations of World Statistics Day.
He revealed that this initiative will further enhance local economic development by fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, cementing Uganda’s position as a regional center for business process outsourcing and information technology.
The hub is part of broader efforts to implement new PPP guidelines that support infrastructure projects and improve service delivery across Uganda.
Mugunga emphasized the need to integrate local communities in the decision-making processes of the area to ensure that the project meets their specific needs.
“What we are hoping to put there is an incubation center where the young people can go and innovate and use their skills to incubate projects. We believe that the center will work well with the small and medium enterprises in the ICT sector,” he said.
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One part of the center will house a global ICT sector where big companies and partners who are willing to invest in Uganda can come and leverage the availability of a young generation that is ICT compliant but can use the tools. The ministry expects to host Google, IBM, Microsoft, and other ICT giants at that center.
The main goals of the modern incubation hub in Entebbe include fostering innovation, supporting startups, enhancing collaboration, capacity building, and commercialization, among others.
The facility is expected to provide practical ICT training for the young, bridging the gap between theory and practice for innovation and creating more jobs.
