By: Nana Appiah
Acquaye
Uganda and Japan are
exploring an expanded phase of cooperation in information and communications
technology (ICT), with discussions focusing on integrating Artificial
Intelligence, expanding mentorship and strengthening links between Ugandan ICT
talent and Japanese companies.
The discussions took place
when Uganda’s Minister for ICT & National Guidance, Rt. Hon. Justine Kasule
Lumumba, received a delegation from the Government of Japan led by H.E. Mr.
Takuya Sasayama, Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of Uganda.
The meeting reviewed
progress under the Uganda-Japan ICT Industry Promotion Project (UJ Connect),
which has supported ICT skills development, business matching,
entrepreneurship, technology transfer and opportunities for Ugandan ICT
companies to access international markets.
The two sides also discussed
a proposal to scale up UJ Connect into a second phase, with greater integration
of Artificial Intelligence, expanded mentorship opportunities and stronger
linkages between Ugandan ICT talent and Japanese companies.
The proposed expansion would
build on the existing Uganda-Japan partnership in developing Uganda’s ICT
ecosystem. The UJ-Connect project, implemented by the Ministry of ICT and
National Guidance in partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency
(JICA), has been focused on skills development, business linkages,
entrepreneurship and technology-driven growth.
The discussions are aimed at
further strengthening collaboration, knowledge exchange and opportunities
between Uganda and Japan in the ICT sector.
