KAMPALA — The Ugandan government has backed a proposal by Heritage Times Africa to host the inaugural East African Digital and Trade Transformation Summit in Uganda, saying the event will promote regional integration, digital innovation and investment opportunities.
The proposed summit is expected to bring together governments, businesses, technology companies and development partners to explore opportunities in digital transformation and regional trade.
Speaking during a meeting with officials from Heritage Times Africa, Minister for East African Community Affairs Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga said regional integration under the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) framework provides new opportunities for businesses and professionals through the free movement of labour, services and capital.
“The protocol under COMESA allows for the free movement of labour, services and capital across member states. We have also been working on the mutual recognition of academic qualifications within the region,” Kadaga said.
She said the arrangement would allow countries to benefit from skilled professionals across the region, including young people from Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
“You now have the possibility of employing a young person from Rwanda here in Kampala, a person from Burundi, South Sudan or the Democratic Republic of Congo. These are some of the opportunities that will become available to you,” she said.
Kadaga also welcomed a proposal to establish the Patrick Centre, describing the planned digital hub as an opportunity to support innovation, entrepreneurship and economic growth.
She said government would continue discussions with stakeholders to determine timelines, resources and the implementation framework for the proposed initiatives.
The proposal was presented by Moses Sialia, Chief Executive Officer of Heritage Times Africa and convener of Afri-Heritage, who said the summit is intended to create a platform for governments, private sector players and innovators to discuss digital transformation and trade opportunities.
Sialia said the summit will focus on emerging sectors such as technology, financial technology (fintech), e-commerce, the creative economy, oil and gas and investment.
He said Heritage Times Africa plans to establish two initiatives in Uganda — an East African Digital Hub and an East African Trade Centre.
According to Sialia, the Digital Hub will focus on youth skills development, innovation, entrepreneurship and software development, while the Trade Centre will help connect East African businesses to regional and international markets.
Government officials, including Minister of State for Trade Sanjay Tanna and Minister of ICT and National Guidance Justine Kasule Lumumba, said the proposed summit aligns with Uganda’s development priorities under the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV).
The plan prioritises agro-industrialisation, tourism development, mineral-based industrialisation, and science, technology and innovation.
The officials said Uganda’s expanding digital infrastructure, youthful population, electricity capacity and investment opportunities position the country to host regional conferences and innovation platforms.
They added that digital transformation remains critical to creating jobs for young people, improving public service delivery and expanding access to regional and global markets.
The East African Digital and Trade Transformation Summit is expected to take place in Uganda in November, subject to further consultations between Heritage Times Africa, the government and international partners.
