Uganda Urged to Turn Digital Connectivity Into Jobs and Economic Growth At State of the Digital Economy 2026

Uganda is entering a new phase of its digital transformation, shifting focus from merely expanding internet access to harnessing it for economic growth and job creation. This strategic pivot was the central theme at the third annual State of the Digital Economy (SODE 2026) conference in Kampala.

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Now that we have connectivity, can we earn from this connectivity, create jobs and export services?

Under the theme "Beyond Connectivity: Turning Access into Opportunity," policymakers, regulators, innovators, and private sector leaders convened to chart a course from widespread internet access to tangible economic benefits. The conference, organized by NextCom, aimed to explore how Uganda's growing digital infrastructure can foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and inclusive economic development.

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Can we have conversations beyond this connectivity? Can every government agency begin thinking about how it can create value from this connectivity?

Kin Kariisa, Chief Executive of Next Media Group, highlighted Uganda's significant progress in digital connectivity. However, he stressed that the nation's next critical challenge is ensuring this access translates into tangible value for its citizens. "Now that we have connectivity, can we earn from this connectivity, create jobs and export services?" Kariisa posed, urging a proactive approach to monetization and value creation.

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Working with UCC and other stakeholders, we started this annual symposium basically to talk about the state of the digital economy.

Kariisa also emphasized the need for a collaborative ecosystem, calling for stronger partnerships between government, regulators, businesses, content creators, and citizens. He noted that digital technologies have fundamentally reshaped daily life and traditional broadcasting, underscoring the importance of equipping the youth to lead in this evolving digital landscape. The conference aimed to foster these crucial conversations and collaborations to build a digital economy that benefits all Ugandans.

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We are taking the conversation beyond connectivity. Uganda has taken significant steps, and we are currently a highly connected country.