Technology 10 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Allen Kagina Calls for Support to Help Young Innovators Commercialize Ideas
TVET Council Chairperson Allen Kagina has urged the government and private sector to collaborate in supporting Ugandan youth innovators to turn their concepts into marketable products, reducing dependency. She highlighted initiatives like MTN's partnerships and expansions of ICT hubs nationwide during a visit to Nakawa's National ICT Hub. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/kagina-young-innovators-need-support-to-move-ideas-to-market-5418820
Allen Kagina, Chairperson of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Council and MTN Uganda Foundation board member, emphasized the need for stronger support for young innovators in Uganda. Speaking after touring the National ICT Hub in Nakawa on April 9, 2026, she stressed that collaboration between government and private entities is essential to bridge the gap from idea to commercialization.
Kagina noted that many youths lack the skills to scale their innovations, which hinders national progress. She praised MTN’s partnership with the Nakawa hub, which incubates ideas to help innovators contribute to economic transformation and achieve independence.
“We want them to exit hubs with skills to solve societal problems and earn a living,” she said, urging a shift from dependency amid Uganda’s high 83.8% dependency ratio reported by UBOS in 2024.
Efforts to expand ICT innovation centers are underway at universities like Muni, Gulu, Busitema, Soroti, and Kabale. The MTN ACE Tech program, with Centenary Technology Services, has trained over 30,000 people since 2022, with 90% securing jobs.
Kagina was impressed by hub innovations such as rental management apps and SME digital platforms for trade and logistics. Hub head Flavia Opio confirmed free access to incubation spaces, inviting applications via their website.
The ICT sector contributes 9% to Uganda’s GDP and supports 2.3 million jobs, bolstered by the Digital Transformation Roadmap (2025–2030).
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)