Kampala, Uganda – Uganda is set to host a landmark digital transformation summit, bringing together regional leaders, policymakers, and industry experts to explore ways to harness digital technologies for economic growth and development.
The Middle East and Africa Digital Transformation Summit (MEA-DTS), scheduled to take place from June 25 to 27, 2025, in Kampala, aims to promote digital innovation, financial inclusion, and regional connectivity.
Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, Cabinet Minister for ICT and National Guidance, revealed the plans for the summit during a press launch at the Uganda Media Center. “The MEA-DTS is consistent with Uganda Vision 2040, where we have ICTs as pivotal to transforming Uganda from a predominantly agricultural community to a modern and prosperous country,” Dr. Baryomunsi said.
“Further, the summit supports the EAC Vision 2050, by leveraging ICTs for value addition in critical sectors like agriculture, tourism, minerals, oil & gas, and knowledge, to create more jobs and boost livelihoods,” he added.
Dr. Baryomunsi emphasized that the summit will champion digital technologies that facilitate enhanced economic transformation and regional competitiveness. “It will enrich Africa and the Middle East’s contribution to SDGs, such as SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure),” he said.
The summit, themed “Driving Digital Transformation for a Connected and Inclusive MEA Region”, will be hosted under the patronage of President Yoweri K. Museveni. According to Innocent Kawooya, CEO of HiPipo, a leading entity in ICT and financial inclusion in Africa, the summit ties in perfectly with Uganda’s National Vision 2040 and the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“We are happy to bring this Summit to Uganda and look forward to meaningful deliberations on important aspects such as digital innovation, financial services, policy, and regulation,” Kawooya said. He noted that HiPipo has been at the forefront of digital transformation for the past twenty years, with leading projects such as 40 Days 40 FinTechs, Women In FinTech Initiative, HiPipo Music Awards, Digital and Financial Inclusion Summit, and Digital Impact Awards Africa.
Dr. Jonathan Pinifolo, Chief Operating Officer at COMESA Business Council, emphasized the importance of leveraging digital tools, policies, and innovations to facilitate seamless trade across borders. “COMESA is the biggest trading block in Africa and we believe that it is important to connect with the rest of Africa and the Middle East by leveraging digital tools, policies and innovations for trade,” Pinifolo said.
The MEA-DTS is being co-organized by the Ministry of ICT & National Guidance, COMESA Business Council, and HiPipo. The summit will bring together participants from over 60 countries, including policymakers, ICT industry leaders, innovators, and investors.
