The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Elioda Tumwesigye has emphasized that Information Communication Technology’s vital for poverty reduction, economic transformation and sustainable development.
Dr Tumwesigye, who is the MP for Sheema North, was speaking was on Thursday afternoon speaking in Sao Paulo at the 5th Brazil Africa Forum where he presented a paper answering a question on policy issues to enhance technology and innovation in Africa with the theme: “Development In Local Communities Through Information Communication Technology”.
“Uganda has witnessed steady adoption of ICT in improving people’s lives in various aspects including financial inclusion, Agriculture, health and education among others,” Dr. Tumwesigye said at the forum that focuses on trends in innovation and technology for sustainable development.
“Uganda’s ICT sector is one of the most vibrant within the region and fastest growing sector in the economy. This vibrancy hinges largely on the good legal and regulatory frameworks and over 70% of our population back home are “Millennials” and therefore form the basis for future investments. ICTs can thrive on this millennial population for market and also provide an adequate labor force.”
The minister cited the success story of Akorion, a Ugandan agritech company that integrates ICT in the delivery of production and marketing services to farmers, and value chain digitization to agribusinesses that work with farmers.
He added that through it is value chain digitization platform, another local startup EzyAgric, and network of community-based agricultural service providers, village agents they bridge the information and service delivery gap between farmers and agribusinesses.
During his visit, Dr. Tumwesigye and other dignitaries also meet with João Bosco Monte, founder and current President of the Brazil Africa Institute, to discuss an array of professional development schemes to meet the diverse needs of African countries by utilizing Brazil’s technology, skills and knowledge.
The Ugandan delegation also has Members of Parliament Hon. Eng .Waluswaka James and Hon. Charles Ngabirano who sit on the Science and Technology Committee of the House.
The Brazil Africa Forum is a flagship event organized by the Brazil Africa Institute. Over the two days, global leaders from governments and the private sector, business leaders, potential investors and academics will be involved in high-level discussions on innovation and technology in key sectors of Brazil and Africa.
At the today forum that ends on Friday, the President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development of the United Nations (IFAD), Gilbert F. Houngbo is among the participants and highlights the importance of innovation in reducing rural poverty.
The forum is also hosting a youth technical training programme.
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