Uganda Urged to Turn Digital Connectivity into Jobs and Economic Growth at State of the Digital Economy 2026

What the report says

Nile Post reported that government officials, regulators, technology professionals, entrepreneurs, innovators and digital creators met at Next Media Park in Kampala for the third State of the Digital Economy conference, known as SODE 2026. The event, organised by NextCom, is being held under the theme “Beyond Connectivity: Turning Access into Opportunity,” with discussions focused on how Uganda can convert wider internet access into jobs, business growth, innovation and inclusive economic benefits.

Opening the conference, Next Media Group Chief Executive Kin Kariisa said Uganda had made progress in connectivity but now needed to ensure that digital access produces income, employment and exportable services. He said the annual forum was created with the Uganda Communications Commission and other stakeholders to assess digital progress and encourage cooperation between public institutions and the private sector. Kariisa also highlighted Next Media’s NextCreata programme, saying it aims to expand creator hubs in major Ugandan cities and skill young people for digital work.

Nile Post also reported that Next Media Chief Marketing Officer Joy Mwangi stressed the importance of digital skills, saying connectivity alone is not enough if users cannot turn it into opportunity. She pointed to initiatives such as NextCreata and Next Influencer, which support content creators, influencers, agencies and brands with facilities, training and digital communications services. Artificial intelligence was also discussed, with Mwangi presenting it as a tool that could improve productivity and create new opportunities if young people learn to use it.

According to the report, this year’s conference is built around human capital, policy, infrastructure, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. It also includes exhibitions, fintech and GovTech showcases, creator economy sessions, masterclasses and a hackathon, reflecting a broader shift from expanding access toward building a stronger digital economy.