The Ministry of ICT and National Guidance has signed a strategic partnership with the dfcu Foundation aimed at accelerating digital skilling, innovation, and enterprise transformation across Uganda—a move set to benefit thousands of young innovators, SMEs, and community-based entrepreneurs.
Announced at a signing ceremony in Kampala, the collaboration brings together government leadership and private sector expertise to advance Uganda’s digital readiness.
The Ministry will leverage its nationwide network of Innovation Hubs, which already serve thousands of learners annually, to deliver structured digital training, mentorship, and community outreach. More than 5,000 beneficiaries—including youth, women-led enterprises, and small businesses—are expected to be trained each year.
Under the partnership, the Ministry will strengthen its Innovation Hubs as centers for advanced digital skills, enterprise development, and innovation support. The hubs will offer practical training in emerging technologies, digital tools, and entrepreneurship, ensuring underserved communities gain reliable access to ICT services.
The dfcu Group, through the dfcu Foundation and dfcu Bank, will provide critical equipment and technical capacity building. Dfcu Bank has committed computers worth Shs 120 million to the National ICT Innovation Hub, a contribution expected to enhance innovators’ access to essential digital tools for software development, digital business management, and product testing.
Through its Business Acceleration Program, the dfcu Foundation will collaborate with the Ministry to design enterprise and digital training programs. These will cover financial literacy, business formalization, governance, and leadership—areas that have already supported more than 3,000 entrepreneurs nationwide under the Foundation’s past initiatives.
The joint goal is to bridge digital gaps, stimulate enterprise growth, and deepen economic inclusion for marginalized communities.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance underscored the national importance of the partnership.
“Our Innovation Hubs were established to nurture Uganda’s digital talent and expand access to ICT services. This partnership strengthens our ability to deliver on that mandate by expanding equipment, training and real-world enterprise support. When government and the private sector move together, we move the country forward,” she said.
The Executive Director of the dfcu Foundation echoed this sentiment, noting that the collaboration blends complementary strengths.
“The Ministry provides a strong national platform through its hubs, while dfcu brings tools, enterprise support, and deep experience with SMEs, farmers, women and youth. Together, we are shaping a future where every Ugandan can thrive in the digital economy,” she said.
Helena Mayanja, Head of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability at dfcu Bank, added that the Bank’s contribution aligns with its broader mission of national development.
“This initiative reaffirms dfcu Bank’s commitment to building a more prosperous and sustainable Uganda. By equipping Innovation Hubs with computers, we are helping ensure digital transformation reaches communities across the country—not only those in urban centres,” Mayanja said.
The partnership is expected to expand digital skilling opportunities, improve access to enterprise development resources, and extend digital literacy to grassroots entrepreneurs.
It will also support national efforts to prepare Ugandans for emerging opportunities in e-commerce, digital finance, and ICT-driven business—sectors projected to contribute over Shs 8 trillion to Uganda’s economy in the coming years.
With coordinated action between government and private sector actors, the initiative represents a major step toward building an inclusive, digitally empowered Uganda.