Advance Afrika is embracing new technologies in their skilling programs according to our digitalisation strategy. To unlock the potential of the youth as the next work force, investments in digital skills should be a priority area.

Digitalisation has become a powerful element for our society and economy.

Uganda has a Digital Transformation Roadmap anchored in the Uganda Vision 2040 of the government to harness economic and educative opportunities across the country. The digital transformation should increase investments in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) as one of the promising sectors, enhance livelihoods, create employment and boost industrialisation and manufacturing. The country internet penetration has reached 43% in 2023 and the number of registered internet users has steadly grown over the years, up to 20 Million.

Digital technologies change the way we interact

New digital innovations have changed the way individuals, communities, or even governments are interacting. They have influenced nearly all level of communication and collaboration between human beings and created new opportunities. Digital technologies and networks have changed our social behavior and our participation, opened access to information and knowledge, support customers in their decisions and enterpreneurs taping into various market. No office environment can work without digital devices, like notebooks, mobile phones, internet, E-Mail etc. In the last 25 years we have witnessed a huge digital transformation in nearly all economic sectors, including development aid.

Connect rural areas to information and services

Digitalisation is a cross cutting issue, which contributes to achieve many of the 17 UN sustainable goals. Nevertheless digitalisation in development aid seems to benefit only people in urban settings with stable internet connection, who can afford internet data bundles and new gadgets. The initial idea of digital technologies has been based on decentralistion. People who live far from the economic centers are able to access information, know how and services through internet networks. Decentral networks connect remote and rural areas to the main centers. The best example is the mobile communication network, which has contributed highly to economic development in Uganda and has created new markets and employment.

Demand for skilled staff in a growing market

Digitalisation has created new type of jobs like content creator, influencer, web programmer, system or network administrator, social media marketing, data visualisation, big data analytics and so on. Advisors, lecturers, engineers or medical doctors, in nearly all sectors and work areas need to have digital skills. Most offices are operating with internet, e-Mail, IT hardware and software for communication and operation. The digital economy is growing in high speed. Todays know how is tomorrow already out of date, when it comes to run electronic business, develop new platforms, Apps or services. The demand for qualified personnel is big, and many companies looking for staff with digital skills.

Benefits of digital transformation as a game changer

Digital Embassadors have been selected and equipped in Advance Afrikas projects, to train community members in digital literacy, access government or private sector services and get specific information through world wide web. ICT hubs in digital innovation centers have been set up to support young entrepreneurs in gaining marketing, sales or book keeping skills to improve their business, and get more know how. Especially the youth, who is more interested and attracted to new technology, needs to require skills to be employable, venture in new markets and seek for new income opportunities.

With improving network structures in Uganda, access to internet via world wide web becomes more affordable and stable. Sharon Atukunda, CEO of Advance Afrika emphasizes: „A trained and well equipped youth will benefit in the long run form the digital transformation, if digital trainings are part of any education program , respecting inclusion, participation and fairness. With our new digitalisation strategy we embracing key trends to unlock the potential of game changers and amplify economic progress in our country.“

If you are more interested in our digitalisation strategy, feel free to contact us!

Author: Dr. Mark S.Degner (Advance Afrika-Technical Advisor seconded by Bread for the World, Germany)

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To be a successful entrepreneur is the dream of many Ugandans. Brian Rwothomio has faced challenges in manintain his business. With support from Advance Afrika, he acquired essential skills, which helped him to make profit.

The 25 years old Rwothomio Brian resides and operates his business in Padea trading center in Zombo District. Having completed senior four in 2016, Brian joined his father in the Hardware business, where they sold spare parts of bicycles, motorcycles as well as building materials like nails and paint. His father later decided specializing in selling only bicycle spare parts. But Brian realized, that there were some things missing in the shop that were on high demand, therefore he sold some trees on their land and managed to get money, that he used to buy nails and paint. That time they were heavily demanded by the community in Padea as well as the Congolese border.

When Brian’s father handed over the business to him, the COVID-19 lock down started and the cross borders exchange stopped, yet especially the Congolese contributed at least 60% of his customer base. Brian faced also difficulties in transporting stock of spare parts from Kampala due to the high transportation costs. In order to keep business alive during the lock down, he had to increase the price of the commodities and reduce his business expenses , but this has shortened also his income. To survive, he started selling second hand clothes in order to get extra money. When the lockdown was lifted, business started slowly returning to normal and his customers from across the border were able to come and start purchasing again.

At this time Brian had the chance to be among beneficiaries of Advance Afrika’s project in Zombo, which had a component of supporting youth in gaining entrepreneur skills. The training helped him to understand the requirements of business like book keeping, financial management, marketing and sales, negotiation and planning. The project beneficiaries received a booster kit for business, like a banner, which helped Brian  greatly in advertising his products: “The banner provided a clear display to customers of the items that I am selling. It also makes the business look new to some customers thus attracting them to buy from my shop,” said Brian.

He started to keep record of the customers to whom he sells goods on credit and gained a good overview over his expenses. Brian gives an advice to other entrepreneurs: “To succeed in a private business, it is very important to acquire knowledge from experts and learn how to manage a shop or a business to make good profit. I am very glad to could join such a training and learn new skills.”