Technology 24 July 2026 Nile Post
Uganda urged to harness digital connectivity for jobs and economic growth at SODE 2026
At the third annual State of the Digital Economy conference, experts called for Uganda to move beyond simply expanding internet access and instead focus on leveraging digital connectivity to create jobs, foster entrepreneurship, and become a regional exporter of digital services. Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/358819/uganda-urged-to-turn-digital-connectivity-into-jobs-and-economic-growth-at-state-of-the-digital-economy-2026
Uganda’s digital transformation journey is focusing on a new objective: translating widespread internet access into tangible economic opportunities. This was the central message at the third annual State of the Digital Economy (SODE 2026) conference, held at Next Media Park.
Experts, including government leaders, regulators, innovators, and entrepreneurs, gathered under the theme “Beyond Connectivity: Turning Access into Opportunity.” Kin Kariisa, CEO of Next Media Group, highlighted the nation’s progress in expanding digital connectivity but stressed the need to “earn from this connectivity, create jobs and export services.”
Key initiatives discussed include Next Media’s NextCreata program, which aims to establish creator hubs across Uganda to skill young people and generate 1.5 million jobs within three years. This program seeks to empower content creators and foster a robust creator economy.
Discussions also touched upon policy changes needed to accelerate digital adoption. Kariisa pointed out that Uganda’s import tax on mobile phones hinders digital inclusion, a practice not seen in other East African countries. “Connectivity is not about having a phone; it is about how you use it,” stated Joy Mwangi, Chief Marketing Officer at Next Media, emphasizing the critical need for digital skills.
Artificial intelligence was also a prominent topic, with speakers encouraging its adoption as an enabler for innovation and efficiency, rather than a job threat. The conference emphasized developing digital talent through initiatives like NextCreata and Next Influencer, focusing on building responsible online influence and sustainable digital communities.
SODE 2026’s agenda covers human capital, policy, infrastructure, and AI & cybersecurity. The event aims to strengthen digital skills, build resilient infrastructure, and develop enabling policies to prepare Uganda for a digital future, moving the national focus from access to economic benefit.
This marks a significant shift in Uganda’s digital strategy, aiming to ensure that growing digital infrastructure directly contributes to employment, innovation, exports, and sustainable economic growth.
Source: Nile Post