The Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, in collaboration with Huawei Technologies Uganda, successfully hosted the 3rd National ICT Job Fair 2024 at the National ICT Innovation Hub in Nakawa. The two-day event, held on November 21st and 22nd, brought together thousands of participants, including fresh graduates, ICT professionals, industry leaders, and key policymakers from both the government and private sector. The fair marked a major milestone in promoting innovation, skills development, and employment opportunities in Uganda’s rapidly growing ICT sector.
Under the theme “Shaping Uganda’s Digital Future: Bridging Skills, Innovation, and Opportunity,” the job fair created a vibrant platform for participants to connect with potential employers, gain insights from expert speakers, and explore emerging trends in technology. Over 50 companies showcased job opportunities and internships in various ICT fields, with a significant contribution from Huawei Technologies and other leading industry players.
The event was officiated by the Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, who inspected exhibition booths from various companies showcasing opportunities available to Uganda’s youth in the ICT sector. In her remarks, the Prime Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to integrating ICT into its socio-economic development agenda. “Through strategic investments in infrastructure, skills development, and innovation, we are creating an enabling environment for ICT to thrive,” Hon. Nabbanja stated. She highlighted that ICT remains one of the fastest-growing sectors globally, offering countless opportunities to drive economic growth, empower youth, and position Uganda as a competitive player in the global digital economy. She commended the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance for forging partnerships with stakeholders like Huawei Technologies to address the digital divide and equip Ugandan youth with relevant skills to harness the full potential of the ICT sector.
Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, the Minister of ICT and National Guidance, reaffirmed the Ministry’s role in leading Uganda’s digital transformation. “We must invest in our young people and turn them into assets for the country, not liabilities,” he said, emphasizing the need for continuous skills development to empower youth.
Dr. Aminah Zawedde, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, emphasized the Ministry’s goal of creating at least 30,000 direct jobs in the ICT sector. “Our focus is on innovation and interpretation; developing solutions that address Uganda’s challenges while creating opportunities for our youth,” said Dr. Zawedde.
The Chinese Ambassador to Uganda, H.E Zhang Lizhong, highlighted the critical role of ICT as a driver of development. He reaffirmed China’s commitment to industrial and digital collaboration through initiatives such as the industrial chain cooperation program announced at the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). “The ICT sector holds immense potential to address youth unemployment and foster digital inclusiveness,” Ambassador Zhang stated.
Huawei Technologies Uganda also reaffirmed its commitment to bridging the gap between education and industry. Mr. Gao Jian, Deputy Managing Director of Huawei Uganda, emphasized the importance of equipping youth with skills that match the needs of the rapidly evolving ICT sector. “Technology is a bridge to opportunity. In the near future, ICT will be the backbone of every industry. This job fair is part of our commitment to ensuring that Uganda’s youth are equipped to lead in this digital transformation,” Mr. Gao said.
Participants engaged directly with leading institutions in Uganda’s ICT industry offering jobs, internships, and training opportunities in areas such as software development, data science, network engineering, and cybersecurity. Hands-on skills development workshops led by experts from Huawei and other industry leaders provided training in essential areas, including coding, digital marketing, resume writing, and artificial intelligence applications.
The event also featured panel discussions with esteemed speakers from government, academia, and the private sector, who shared insights on trends, challenges, and the future of Uganda’s ICT landscape. These sessions fostered valuable connections among ICT professionals, innovators, and young talent, enabling discussions on potential collaborations and partnerships.
The Ministry of ICT and National Guidance remains committed to fostering a robust ICT ecosystem that positions Uganda as a leader in digital innovation and youth empowerment. By partnering with key stakeholders like Huawei Technologies, the Ministry continues to play a pivotal role in equipping Uganda’s youth with the skills and opportunities they need to thrive in the digital economy.
