Huawei Technologies, in partnership with Uganda’s Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, successfully hosted the third National ICT Job Fair 2024. Held at the National ICT Innovation Hub in Nakawa on November 21 and 22, the event attracted over a thousand participants, including ICT professionals, fresh graduates, and policymakers from across Uganda.
Themed “Shaping Uganda’s Digital Future: Bridging Skills, Innovation and Opportunity,” the job fair underscored Huawei’s commitment to bridging the gap between education and industry while advancing Uganda’s digital transformation.
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“At Huawei, we believe technology is a bridge to opportunity,” said Ssali Gao, Deputy Managing Director of Huawei Technologies Uganda. “As ICT becomes the backbone of industries worldwide, skilled personnel are essential, and events like the National ICT Job Fair are critical for nurturing talent and fostering digital inclusion.”
Empowering youth through skills development
The job fair featured hands-on training sessions and skills workshops, offering participants practical insights into the latest ICT trends. Attendees engaged directly with leading Ugandan institutions, securing job placements, internships, and industry-led mentorship.
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, who officiated the event, emphasised the government’s commitment to leveraging ICT for socio-economic growth. “Through strategic investments in infrastructure, skills development, and innovation, we are creating an enabling environment for ICT to thrive,” she stated. Nabbanja highlighted the critical role of ICT in empowering youth and positioning Uganda as a leader in the global digital economy.
Minister of ICT and National Guidance Chris Bayromunsi echoed these sentiments, emphasising the ministry’s goal to create 30,000 ICT-related jobs.
“We must invest in young people and make them an asset for the country, not a burden,” Bayromunsi said, stressing the need to ensure technology benefits all Ugandans.
Global partnerships driving ICT growth
The event also featured remarks from the Chinese Ambassador to Uganda, Zhang Lizhong, who reiterated China’s commitment to advancing ICT in Africa. He announced plans for a digital technology cooperation centre and 20 digital demonstration projects aimed at fostering development.
“With its continued growth, I believe the ICT sector can create more job opportunities for talented young men and women, greatly addressing their concerns and fostering digital inclusiveness,” Zhang stated.
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Paving the way for Uganda’s digital future
The National ICT Job Fair provided a platform for dialogue among government officials, industry leaders, and academia, exploring strategies for innovation and addressing challenges such as skill mismatches and brain drain. Esteemed speakers led panel discussions on Uganda’s ICT landscape, including the critical role of collaboration in driving the country’s digital agenda.
The job fair, now in its third edition, highlighted Huawei’s leadership in aligning education with industry demands and advancing digital inclusion. Through initiatives like this, Uganda is laying the groundwork for a vibrant and resilient ICT sector, empowering its youth and accelerating its journey toward a digitally inclusive future.