Technology Titan Japan Partners with Uganda’s ICT Ministry to Create Employment Opportunities for Youth

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Ministry of Information Communication and Technology and National Guidance have signed a Record of Discussions to boost the ICT ecosystem and expedite the creation of jobs for Ugandan Youth.

According to the ROD, it will signal access to one of the most digitally evolved nations in the world, Japan, as well as its high technology knowledge, market, and platforms.

The ROD will also implement the Framework for Creating an Enabling Environment to Support ICT Acceleration, a Digital Skilling Program to Strengthen Uganda’s Global Competitiveness, and Commercial Matchmaking between Ugandan and Global ICT Companies to develop business possibilities for Ugandan firms.

Commenting on the signing of the ROD, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of ICT, Dr. Aminah Zawedde, stated, “We are committed to fostering ICT-centric innovation and creating new employment possibilities for our youth.” We’re delighted about our cooperation with JICA.”

The elegance of the Source of the Nile Bridge in Jinja and the near-completion of the Flyover at Clocktower, among others, are examples of the excellent level of support provided by JICA when they make a commitment. This level of technical depth and competence is what we’ve received this morning. As the Japanese say, “Akarui mirai,” the industry has a “bright future.”

Mr. Uchiyama Takayuki, the Chief Representative of JICA, stated that the cooperation is the most effective means of promoting Ugandan potential and establishing a platform to facilitate the discovery of young talent by foreign and domestic firms.

“Today symbolizes the beginning of something amazing that will endure for decades. We appreciate Dr. Aminah’s initiative and leadership in establishing this partnership. We anticipate joint achievement,” Uchiyama stated.

The Digital Transformation Program’s National Development Plan III acknowledges ICT as a development fulcrum.

The national strategy sees ICT as a catalyst, amplifier, and multiplier of economic development.

According to the ICT ministry, the signing of the ROD is a deliberate effort by the Ministry to achieve its aspiration to create jobs through the promotion of BPO and Innovation and, more importantly, to position Uganda at the forefront of the next wave of strategic technologies, support a new generation of leading BPO and Innovation companies, and scale disruptive innovations to accelerate the transition to a digital economy.

Uganda has made considerable strides in bringing BPO jobs to the country: 30,000 university-educated, English-speaking, ICT-literate individuals leave the country annually.

In addition, the country’s ICT industry has expanded during the past decade, giving it an advantage in the global ICT job market. It is an excellent opportunity to revitalize Uganda’s BPO and innovation activities.

77% of Uganda’s population is under the age of 30, and the country’s population is projected to double between 2020 and 2060. The youth unemployment problem is already severe and will continue to worsen as the population expands.

Dr. Zawede argues that the ROD signing is important because it enables Uganda’s BPO & Innovation practitioners to utilize the global expertise that Japan has developed over the years as a global technological titan.