Uganda Backs East African Digital Summit to Boost Regional Trade and Innovation

What the report says

Nile Post reported that Uganda’s government has endorsed a proposal by Heritage Times Africa to hold the first East African Digital and Trade Transformation Summit in Uganda. The planned event is being framed as a platform to advance regional integration, digital innovation, trade and investment within the wider COMESA context. It is expected to convene government representatives, businesses, technology firms, innovators and development partners.

According to the report, Minister for East African Community Affairs Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga discussed the proposal during a meeting with Heritage Times Africa officials. She said regional arrangements under COMESA create openings through the movement of labour, services and capital, and pointed to ongoing work on mutual recognition of qualifications. Kadaga also welcomed a proposed Patrick Centre, described as a digital hub that could support entrepreneurship, innovation and economic activity.

Moses Sialia, the chief executive of Heritage Times Africa and convener of Afri-Heritage, presented the plan and said the summit would cover areas including technology, fintech, e-commerce, the creative economy, oil and gas, and investment. Nile Post reported that Heritage Times Africa also wants to establish an East African Digital Hub and an East African Trade Centre in Uganda, with the former focused on youth skills, software development and entrepreneurship, and the latter on market linkages for regional businesses.

Government officials cited in the article, including State Minister for Trade Sanjay Tanna and ICT Minister Justine Kasule Lumumba, said the proposal fits Uganda’s Fourth National Development Plan priorities. The summit is expected in November, but Nile Post said timing remains subject to further consultations with government and international partners.