Bridging Continents Through Innovation: Uganda and Japan Deepen ICT Collaboration

From August 20th to 29th, 2025, Uganda participated in the UJ-Connect ICT Study Tour to Japan, a program jointly implemented by the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The tour provided a platform to strengthen bilateral collaboration, expose Ugandan innovators to Japan’s advanced technology ecosystem, and explore new opportunities for knowledge exchange and investment.

The study tour began at the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) in Yokohama, where Uganda showcased its innovation ecosystem. The booth attracted high-level engagement, including a visit from the Mayor of Kobe, and highlighted the country’s growing reputation as a hub for African innovation. Delegates also participated in discussions on the digital impact in Africa, with a focus on strategies for expanding telecommunications infrastructure.

Engagements with Japanese corporations further enriched the program. At Hitachi headquarters, the delegation explored opportunities in smart infrastructure, public sector digitisation, and energy solutions already supporting Uganda’s banking sector. Meetings at JICA headquarters reaffirmed the value of the UJ-Connect project, while a visit to KDDI highlighted advances in cloud services, secure data management, and digital transformation.

The second week of the tour spotlighted innovation hubs and international platforms. At Jam Base Studio in Osaka, Ugandan startups pitched their solutions during a JICA-hosted event. The team also visited Kyoto City Hall and joined the Africa Business Forum 2025, which featured a contest for social innovation across the continent. At Expo 2025 in Osaka, Ugandan innovators presented their ideas before an international audience, while the Ministry showcased the UJ-Connect project as a catalyst for Uganda’s digital future.

Visits to STATION Ai in Nagoya and Quintbridge in Osaka showcased Japan’s thriving innovation ecosystems. These hubs demonstrated how collaboration between startups, corporates, academia, and government drive impactful solutions, lessons that will inspire Uganda’s own innovation journey.

The study tour concluded with renewed partnerships, fresh insights, and greater visibility for Uganda’s innovators on the global stage.