Technology 19 March 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Uganda Govt Targets 20,000 Innovations Every 5 Years to Drive Economic Growth
Uganda's government aims to produce 20,000 innovations every five years across key sectors to fuel long-term economic and industrial development. The plan seeks to nurture 100 unicorn companies valued over $1 billion each, with support for scaling local innovations. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/inside-govt-plan-to-generate-20-000-innovations-every-5-years-5397266
Uganda’s Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Monica Musenero, has unveiled an ambitious government strategy to generate at least 20,000 innovations every five years. These innovations will span health, agriculture, engineering, communication, and other vital sectors, playing a pivotal role in boosting the nation’s economy and industrial growth.
Musenero noted that while not every innovation will thrive, producing a high volume increases the odds of creating globally competitive firms. The government aspires to cultivate 100 ‘unicorn’ companies—startups valued at over $1 billion—from this pool.
Key to this effort is a revamped education curriculum, shifting focus from theory to practical problem-solving among learners.
The minister emphasized avoiding past pitfalls where Africa relied heavily on imported technologies without economic gains. Meanwhile, Ministry of ICT and National Guidance Permanent Secretary, Ms. Amina Zawedde, affirmed commitment to helping local innovators scale beyond pilots into products securing government and private contracts, such as local fibre optic solutions.
Zawedde highlighted a goal of contributing $405 billion to GDP by 2040, underscoring the need for cross-sector coordination to meet innovation targets.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)