Technology 24 July 2026 Nile Post
Kin Kariisa: Uganda Needs to Monetize Digital Connectivity for Economic Growth
Next Media Group CEO Kin Kariisa has urged Uganda to shift its focus from merely expanding internet access to actively leveraging digital infrastructure for job creation, business development, and innovation. He emphasized that the country has overcome initial connectivity challenges and must now prioritize deriving tangible economic benefits from its digital advancements. Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/358914/kin-kariisa-says-uganda-must-turn-digital-connectivity-into-economic-opportunity
Uganda’s digital journey has reached a crucial juncture, moving beyond the fundamental goal of connecting its citizens to the internet. Next Media Group CEO Kin Kariisa articulated this sentiment at the third edition of the State of the Digital Economy (SODE 2026), stressing that the nation must now harness its digital infrastructure to foster economic opportunities.
Kariisa highlighted the significant progress made, recalling a time when mobile internet access was a distant dream. Today, 5G technology is available even in rural areas, like his home in Ntungamo, signifying a massive investment in digital infrastructure. He asserted that connectivity is no longer the endpoint but the foundation upon which further digital transformation must be built.
The core message resonated with the SODE 2026 theme, “Beyond Connectivity: Turning Access into Opportunity.” Kariisa challenged government, the private sector, and innovators to explore how digital infrastructure can generate employment, empower young entrepreneurs, boost digital exports, and enhance public services.
He specifically pointed to Uganda’s youth as a vital asset in the digital economy. Kariisa encouraged young people to view smartphones not just as tools for entertainment but as powerful instruments for income generation through entrepreneurship, digital services, and content creation. Next Media’s Next Creata Programme, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, aims to equip thousands of young Ugandans with these essential digital skills.
Kariisa also advocated for increased support for local content creators, warning against over-reliance on foreign digital content. He proposed three key policy shifts: reducing import taxes on smartphones, reviewing internet taxation to improve affordability, and enabling Ugandan creators to monetize their content on global platforms like TikTok and X.
The overarching call is for Uganda to translate its digital connectivity into measurable economic gains, ensuring that its youthful population can fully participate and benefit from the evolving digital landscape.