Kampala Impact Day 2024, a hybrid event is redefining the entrepreneurial landscape by empowering entrepreneurs with tools and connections to drive sustainable growth. Rooted in the Triple Bottom Line principle—People, Planet, and Profit—the event aims to provide an inclusive platform for social entrepreneurs to drive meaningful change within their communities and beyond. Entrepreneurs also have the opportunity to exhibit their businesses, highlighting innovative solutions that address societal challenges while promoting environmental sustainability and economic growth.

The Kampala Impact Day underscores the importance of collaboration among entrepreneurs, investors, and ecosystem leaders, fostering synergies that amplify impact.

One key activity of the event will be a pitching session, where six (6) entrepreneurs will present their ventures to a panel of potential investors. With only three minutes to captivate the audience, they will showcase their innovations, market potential, and readiness for investment. The stakes are high, as awards await those with the most compelling pitches, including recognition for innovation, teamwork, and business scalability. This competitive segment aims to inspire and reward excellence in social entrepreneurship.

The entrepreneurs that will be pitching include;

1. Ethan Bampeire; Founder of Neexa AI, an AI startup helping businesses sell more and grow effortlessly through automation of marketing and sales.
2. Emmanuel Twesigy; CEO and Co-founder of Everlend Agritech Limited, a B2B digital platform that allows smallholder farmers access climate-resilient food crop seeds for planting. The platform also is an online farmers’ marketplace where agro-produce buyers meet with sellers
3. Steven Kavuma; Founder of Revmake, an energy tech company whose mission is to create a circular economy for lithium-ion batteries that has a positive effect on the planet, people, and profit. They aim to add value by treating used lithium-ion batteries not as waste but as a valuable material for recreation.
4. Wendy Gloria Musiimenta; Founder of Nile Chocolates, a micro-batch company that aims to sensitize the community of farmers and schools about the food science behind cocoa farming and hence promoting value addition at the origin, environmental preservation, but also emphasizing health aspects
5. Doreen Jean Nsasiirwe; Founder of Westlink Delicacy API Group Limited, a startup offering natural, nutritious, and sustainable alternatives to synthetic health products to enhance the health and wellness of its customers while tackling the critical issues of poor health and environmental degradation.
6. Miriam Akoramazima; Founder of Glory Revolution Limited, a startup with a mission to combat malnutrition and food scarcity.

The post The 6 Entrepreneurs Pitching at the 8th Annual Kampala Impact Day appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

With one in two people lacking access to essential healthcare, leveraging innovation and developing new models for scaling access to healthcare is critical. Health entrepreneurship, particularly women-led models, is fundamental to addressing this gap. WiNFUND is on a mission to transform healthcare access to the most vulnerable by leveraging the power of female entrepreneurship. It advocates for equitable access to financing and invests in the power of women-led startups addressing global health challenges.

WiNFUND is more than just a financial partner; it’s a movement to amplify women’s voices in healthcare innovation. By supporting female-led initiatives, they seek to drive meaningful change in the health sector while promoting gender equity in entrepreneurship.

The non-profit initiative is searching for ambitious and innovative women entrepreneurs whose solutions are already making a difference in healthcare across Africa. Here are the key criteria:

• Ventures must be women-led, emphasizing the power of women in shaping the future of healthcare.
• Solutions should directly address access to healthcare in Africa, tackling pressing challenges such as affordability, availability, or quality of services.
• Applicants should be operating ventures at the revenue stage, ready to scale, and able to demonstrate their investability.
• WiNFUND values innovative and sustainable business models that ensure long-term success while delivering measurable social and economic benefits.

Selected entrepreneurs will receive up to USD$250,000 (approx. UGX925.5 million) in funding. This significant financial boost is designed to help ventures scale their solutions, reach more communities, and achieve greater impact.

The prize goes beyond financial gain —as WiNFUND opens doors to an expansive network of industry partners, investors, and other entrepreneurs. This ecosystem is vital for building collaborations, securing additional resources, and navigating the challenges of scaling a business. In addition, WiNFUND provides bespoke support to help businesses thrive. From strategic guidance to operational advice, entrepreneurs gain access to the tools and expertise needed for sustainable growth.

WiNFUND’s initiative has already demonstrated the transformative potential of supporting women entrepreneurs. Previous funding cycles have enabled startups to expand their reach to underserved communities, innovate & scale solutions that improve maternal health, chronic disease management, and health education, and build sustainable models that attract additional funding and partnerships.

Women play a critical role in Africa’s healthcare ecosystem, often as caregivers, nurses, and community health workers. However, their contributions as innovators and entrepreneurs remain underrepresented. Supporting women in leadership positions ensures diverse perspectives in problem-solving, leading to more inclusive and effective healthcare solutions.

The WiNFUND initiative is a remarkable example of how technology and innovation can drive social impact, especially in the healthcare sector, which is critical for the growth and development of any nation. By supporting women-led health startups, WiNFUND is empowering women entrepreneurs to solve complex healthcare challenges, create jobs, and make a positive difference in their communities —in other words, it’s fostering systemic change that benefits entire communities.

WiNFUND is partly financed through the sale of WiNFUND non-fundable tokens (NFTs) designed by Rwandan artist Christella Bijou. The collection has been supported and made available in close collaboration with Tokenproof.

The deadline to apply for the fund is December 13, 2024, at 3pm CEST (5pm EAT). APPLY HERE (LINK)

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Kampala Impact Day 2024, a hybrid event —will be held under the theme “Celebrating Innovation, Collaboration, and the Role of Investment Readiness in Scaling Social Enterprises Blended Finance” and bring together ecosystem players including social businesses/entrepreneurs, incubation hubs, investors, government, private sector, development agencies, CSOs, and the general public, etc. to collaboratively pave way for the future of Uganda’s social business startup ecosystem

Kampala Impact Day is redefining the entrepreneurial landscape by empowering entrepreneurs with tools and connections to drive sustainable growth. Rooted in the Triple Bottom Line principle—People, Planet, and Profit—the event aims to provide an inclusive platform for social entrepreneurs to drive meaningful change within their communities and beyond. Entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to exhibit their businesses, highlighting innovative solutions that address societal challenges while promoting environmental sustainability and economic growth. The event underscores the importance of collaboration among entrepreneurs, investors, and ecosystem leaders, fostering synergies that amplify impact.

One of the highlights of the day will be the Investment Readiness Masterclass, a tailored session designed to empower entrepreneurs with the skills and knowledge necessary to attract investment. This masterclass will delve into the nuances of the investment journey, from understanding different funding stages to crafting strategies for successful capital raising. By the end of the session, participants will have actionable insights and the confidence to navigate the complex landscape of investment, propelling their ventures toward scalability and growth.

Adding to the activities will be the pitching session, where six entrepreneurs will step into the spotlight to present their ventures to a panel of potential investors. With only three minutes to captivate the audience, these entrepreneurs will showcase their innovations, market potential, and readiness for investment. The stakes are high, as awards await those with the most compelling pitches, including recognition for innovation, teamwork, and business scalability. This competitive segment aims to inspire and reward excellence in social entrepreneurship.

The entrepreneurs that will be pitching include Ethan Bampeire; Founder of Neexa AI, Wendy Gloria Musiiment; Founder of Nile Chocolates, Steven Kavuma; Founder of Revmake, Doreen Jean Nsasiirwe; Founder of Westlink Delicacy API Group Limited, Emmanuel Twesigy; CEO and Co-founder; Everlend Agritech Limited, and Miriam Akoramazima; Founder of Glory Revolution Limited.

The day will culminate in a prestigious Awards Ceremony, celebrating excellence across various facets of entrepreneurship. From Best Branding and Excellence in Customer Care to Outstanding Entrepreneur of the Year, these accolades will honor individuals who embody creativity, resilience, and impact. These awards will not only spotlight entrepreneurial excellence but also inspire others to pursue impactful and sustainable business ventures.

1. Best Branding Award

This award will be given to recognize the entrepreneur who has demonstrated exceptional creativity in developing their brand, making it memorable and eye-catching for customers. This includes ensuring a perfect fit for selling in all markets, both locally and internationally, along with high-quality packaging that elevates the brand experience.

2. Excellence in Customer Care Award

This award will be given to the entrepreneur who has consistently delivered outstanding customer service. The recipient will have shown a strong commitment to serving the customers with a lasting experience that sets them apart.

3. Increased Awareness Award

This award will recognize the entrepreneur with the most compelling pitch deck, showcasing clear market potential, scalability, financial soundness, and a strong value proposition. The recipient of this award will be determined by a panel of judges after the pitching session.

4. Outstanding Entrepreneur of the Year Award

This award will be given to two entrepreneurs (female and male) who have shown exceptional performance in terms of business growth since the completion of the Sustainable Technology for Africa program (ST4A Program). The winners will have demonstrated innovation, resilience, impact, and a reliable communication base with Einstein Rising, serving as an inspiration to others, and making a significant contribution to their industry or community.

The post Einstein Rising, OVO to Equip Entrepreneurs for Investment Success at the 8th Annual Kampala Impact Day appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

These fellows play a pivotal role in analyzing AU’s unit systems, identifying challenges in data management, and co-creating innovative solutions tailored to enhance efficiency. By fostering capacity-building among AU staff, the fellowship drives immediate improvements and ensures the sustainability of these innovations well beyond the fellowship term.

Launched in March 2024, the second edition of the fellowship programme attracted over 3,000 applications from young African innovators —and only 19 exceptional fellows were chosen from a rigorous selection process and deployed to 13 AU host units —where they will work on strengthening data processes, improving digital systems, and gaining valuable skills in leadership, entrepreneurship, and professional development.

Nanko Madu, Director of Programmes at AfriLabs, expressing optimism for the program’s impact said, the programme exemplifies the power of innovation to drive sustainable change.

“By placing top innovators within the African Union, we’re bridging the gap between talent and opportunity, laying the foundation for future leaders who will champion digital transformation across Africa,” said Madu in a press statement.

The fellows are:

The fellows shared their aspirations and excitement as they embarked on this journey;

“I anticipate that this fellowship will be a pivotal opportunity to collaborate with experts and develop innovative digital health solutions that not only enhance healthcare delivery but also inform evidence-based policies,” said Thokozile Manaka from Lesotho. “By leveraging data and technology, I aim to contribute to a sustainable framework that addresses Africa’s unique health challenges and drives systemic improvements across the continent.”

“As I embark on this fellowship, I see it as a crucible for transformative change. I’m eager to learn from Africa’s brightest minds, contribute my expertise in digital development, network with visionaries across the continent, and ultimately take actions that will catalyze Africa’s digital revolution and transformation,” said Mekitmfon Herbert AwakEssien from Nigeria. “This is my chance to turn ideas into action, and action into impact.”

Kofi Mensah Abaya from Ghana said, “I am determined to collaborate on initiatives that enhance public health infrastructure and promote sustainable health outcomes across Africa.” Adds “In alignment with Agenda 2063, which envisions ‘an integrated, prosperous, and peaceful Africa,’ I am of the view that digital health innovations can play a pivotal role in achieving these goals.”

The African Union Digital and Innovation Fellowship Program continues to embody the vision of Agenda 2063 by developing a network of skilled innovators who contribute directly to the growth and integration of digital solutions across AU’s core operations.

AfriLabs on the other hand remains committed to supporting initiatives that foster collaboration and advance Africa’s innovation landscape.

See also: TechBuzz Hub founder, Keneth Twesigye secures board position at AfriLabs

The post African Union Announce the 2nd Cohort of Fellows of its Digital and Innovation Fellowship Programme appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

This year’s Pitchfest took place at the YouthConnekt Africa Summit on November 10, 2024, in Kigali, Rwanda, where five remarkable startup founders had the opportunity to pitch their solutions to an eager audience to win a share of 110 million Rwandan francs (approx. UGX293,582,853) in grants.

With solutions ranging from assistive devices made of recycled materials to accessible healthcare technology, this year’s finalists—Sinc, Geuza, Afya Wave, Clenville, and Life Line Africa—demonstrated the transformative power of tech-driven solutions to address critical challenges in Africa.

Hanga Pitchfest isn’t just a competition; it’s an incubator for Africa’s brightest minds and tech-driven solutions. By bringing together investors, business leaders, and key industry players, the competition provides an opportunity for startups to gain financial support, secure partnerships, and exposure. This holistic approach is aimed at empowering the next generation of tech entrepreneurs who are dedicated to solving social, environmental, and economic issues.

Since its inception, the Pitchfest has become a highly anticipated event, celebrating the spirit of entrepreneurship in Africa and paving the way for startups to secure the resources needed to grow their businesses. It is a key component of Rwanda’s national vision to foster digital innovation and economic resilience, offering a launchpad for innovations designed for Africa by Africans.

This year’s Hanga Pitchfest took place within the YouthConnekt Africa Summit, adding a layer of significance to the competition. The Summit is an annual gathering that brings together young people from across Africa to engage in discussions, networking, and showcases of youth-led initiatives. It was the perfect setting for this year’s Pitchfest, uniting young innovators with a shared vision of an empowered, self-sustaining Africa.

Ahunna Eziakonwa, Assistant Secretary-General and Director of UNDP’s Regional Bureau for Africa while expressing her optimism said, “Today fills me with hope, seeing young innovators sharing powerful solutions for challenges like disability inclusion, waste management, and maternal healthcare. With their ideas and passion, our future is truly in great hands.”

Paula Ingabire, Rwanda’s Minister of ICT and Innovation, echoed this sentiment, acknowledging the progress made over the past three days that the competition was happening. “I’m thrilled to have you all here today as we celebrate innovators, entrepreneurs, and problem-solvers of our society,” she said. “Over the past three days, we’ve witnessed young people daring to dream, coming together to shape the future they deserve, empowered by the skills they bring.”

The 2024 Hanga Pitchfest showcased five startups, each with a unique mission to address a specific challenge facing Africa today. These startups demonstrated the diversity of African innovation and the potential for scalable solutions that can impact millions across the continent.

1. Sinc: Revolutionizing event management

Sinc, which emerged as the overall winner and took home 50 million Rwf (approx. UGX133.4 million), aims to transform the events industry through an all-in-one platform designed to enhance event discovery and management. With Sinc, event organizers and attendees alike benefit from a streamlined experience that simplifies the coordination of large-scale events. The platform addresses logistical and operational challenges commonly faced in the events industry, offering a comprehensive solution that integrates ticketing, scheduling, and audience engagement.

This innovation reflects a growing demand for tech-driven platforms that can cater to Africa’s growing creative and event-planning industries.

2. Geuza: Eco-friendly assistive devices

Second-place winner Geuza Limited is making a significant impact in the lives of people with disabilities by creating affordable assistive devices from recycled electronic waste. Geuza’s products, which include crutches, walkers, and prosthetics, are eco-friendly and tailored to meet the needs of individuals across low-income regions of Africa. By repurposing electronic waste, Geuza addresses two critical issues: environmental sustainability and accessibility for people with disabilities.

The 20 million Rwf (approx. UGX53.37 million)prize will help Geuza expand its operations and improve accessibility for people who might otherwise be left behind.

3. Afya Wave: Bringing sonographic services to underserved communities

Afya Wave, which placed third and received a grant of 15 million Rwf (approx. UGX40.03 million), is tackling the healthcare gap in East Africa with low-cost, medical-grade ultrasound devices. The startup’s portable devices are designed to bring essential sonographic services to mothers in remote and underserved areas, offering a critical resource for prenatal care.

By lowering the cost of ultrasound technology, Afya Wave is improving maternal healthcare and reducing health disparities in areas that lack access to traditional medical facilities. The technology holds the potential to save countless lives, particularly in regions where medical imaging services are scarce or unaffordable.

4. Clenville Ltd: Transforming plastic waste management

Clenville, awarded 12.5 million Rwf (approx. UGX33.36 million), is focused on reimagining waste management through its “We Collect” app, an innovation that incentivizes users to segregate recyclables. By encouraging proper waste disposal and recycling, Clenville aims to tackle the inefficiencies in Africa’s waste management systems. The platform leverages digital technology to connect waste generators with collectors, creating a system that not only reduces environmental pollution but also creates economic opportunities for local communities. Clenville’s solution could significantly reduce the continent’s plastic waste problem, promoting sustainability and environmental stewardship.

5. Life Line Africa: Enhancing access to emergency medications

Life Line Africa, which also received 12.5 million Rwf (approx. UGX33.36 million), has developed a software platform designed to improve access to emergency medications across Africa. The platform integrates both in-house and third-party insurance services, as well as an outpatient drug tracking system, ensuring that patients can access vital medications when they need them most.

Life Line Africa’s focus on emergency healthcare could help address issues of drug shortages and limited access to life-saving medications, particularly in rural areas. This innovation has the potential to transform healthcare delivery in underserved regions, providing a reliable lifeline for those in need.

Beyond the monetary awards, Hanga Pitchfest will provide startups with invaluable opportunities to connect with potential investors, collaborators, and mentors. By elevating the visibility of these startups, Hanga Pitchfest helps bridge the gap between promising entrepreneurs and the resources necessary to bring their ideas to life. For young founders, the experience of pitching to a large, diverse audience provides exposure and confidence essential for navigating the competitive world of tech entrepreneurship.

“What founders receive at the Grand Finale is just a drop in the ocean of what they need to scale their businesses. Through our one-year program of business development and acceleration, we connect them with funders who provide essential capital, enabling them to reach the next stage, secure their first clients, and ultimately scale,” said Hon. Minister, Ingabire.

Hanga Pitchfest competition is a testament to Rwanda’s commitment to becoming a tech hub on the African continent. The event aligns with Rwanda’s vision to foster an ecosystem where digital innovation thrives and can contribute to socio-economic development. By investing in homegrown tech solutions, Rwanda is inspiring neighboring nations to follow suit, creating a regional movement toward self-sufficiency and tech-enabled development.

As Hanga Pitchfest continues to grow, so does the potential for African innovation. The startups showcased this year are part of a larger movement of young Africans harnessing technology to address local and global challenges. From healthcare and waste management to disability inclusion and digital platforms, these innovators are proving that Africa has the talent, vision, and drive to contribute meaningfully to the world’s tech landscape.

The Hanga Pitchfest and similar initiatives will play a crucial role in nurturing Africa’s tech ecosystem, ensuring that African entrepreneurs have access to the funding, mentorship, and partnerships they need. The future of Africa lies in the hands of these bold, creative problem-solvers who are building solutions that have the potential to reshape industries, improve lives, and inspire a new generation of innovators.

The post Event Management Startup, Sinc Today Emereges as Overall Winner of the 2024 Hanga Pitchfest appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

Member at Large is a special board seat that allows the holder to take on special assignments as may be delegated by the board and oversee full execution. It’s an important position that allows the organization to respond to emerging high-priority interventions to serve better the welfare of Afrilabs members.

Stepping into this influential role, Twesigye will bring strategic acumen, passion, and drive to advance AfriLabs’ vision across Africa and globally. He joins fellow board members in shaping the strategic direction and governance of AfriLabs —this includes attending board meetings, contributing to decision-making, and supporting the engagement of internal and external stakeholders. However, what truly distinguishes this role is its focus on fostering collaboration within AfriLabs’ extensive network, a mission that perfectly aligns with Twesigye’s personal and professional aspirations.

“This position presents an incredible opportunity not only for my professional growth but also for contributing meaningfully to AfriLabs’ success,” Twesigye told PC Tech Magazine in a phone call. “I am thrilled to help build strategic networks that foster collaboration across the continent, propelling Africa’s innovation, technology, and entrepreneurial landscape forward.”

The selection for this prestigious role was highly competitive, with talented candidates from across Africa vying for the seat. Their journey to the board was driven by a deep-rooted passion for advancing technology and innovation across Africa. The nominees were Faten Aissi, Associate Director of Flat6Labs (Tunisia); Tochukwu Chukwueke, CEO of Clintonel Electronic Engineering (Nigeria); Ichraf Jarray, CEO and Founder of Hive12 in Sousse (Tunisia); and Kenneth Twesigye, CEO and Founder of TechBuzz Hub (Uganda).

Twesigye emerged victorious securing the role that will span an initial two-year term, with the possibility of re-election for an additional term.

“It’s a big win for East Africa to have an extra voice in Afrilabs,” David Ogiga; Co-founder of Sote Hub Kenya, and a Board Member for Afrilabs representing East Africa told PC Tech Magazine. “Twesigye is an astute leader who recently won recognition as best co-working space at the Global Startups Awards. With his new energy and vision, Afrilabs will eventually be a winner.”

This role will be performed remotely, with occasional in-person board meetings to strengthen collaboration and ensure strategic alignment. Ogiga noted that they expect Twesigye to bring new ideas and visions and to make AfriLabs more vibrant and impactful.

With a focus on strengthening AfriLabs’ impact, Twesigye’s responsibilities will include advising on policy, expanding strategic opportunities, leading committees, and fostering vital stakeholder relationships. These efforts are all aimed at advancing AfriLabs’ vision: a thriving innovation economy in Africa, supported by a strong, collaborative community.

“Serving AfriLabs aligns with my passion for empowering national startup networks, building capacity, and fostering strategic collaborations,” Twesigye commented. “I look forward to contributing to a future where African innovation is globally recognized and celebrated.”

Twesigye’s experience at TechBuzz has equipped them with a unique perspective that they aim to leverage in contributing to AfriLabs’ growth.

Commenting on Dr. Itoro Emembolu, whom Twesigye succeeded, Ogiga said, “Dr. Itoro played a crucial role, especially in research on key interventions needed and priorities for members.” He added, “It’s from her report that Afrilabs developed Moonshot ambitions to unlock USD$1 billion in funding for programs and projects; therefore, I expect Kenneth to follow in these giant footsteps.”

Jeremy Riro; Founder and Innovations Lead at Fie_Labs Innovation Hub in Kenya, and Board Treasurer at AfriLabs says Twesigye joins the AfriLabs Board at a time that the network that started with only 12 hubs has grown to a network of more than 500 hubs in 53 countries across Africa.

He further told PC Tech Magazine, that AfriLabs now requires experienced and visionary leaders to steer ahead of the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem in the continent, and believes Twesigye who is an astute leader will bring his professional experience to the AfriLabs Board.

“With his proven track record in championing hub sustainability and startup ecosystem policies, I look forward to his contributions and leadership in championing the same at the continental level, as the Board Member at Large in AfriLabs,” Riro told PC Tech Magazine.

Also read:

• • ITU council welcomes AfriLabs as an ITU-D sector member
  • AfriLabs, KAF sign MoU to foster cross-continental startup growth
  • AfriLabs publishes reports offering insights into the AI startup ecosystem in Africa

AfriLabs with its secretariat in Abuja, Nigeria started in 2011 with NaiLab (Kenya), iHub (Kenya), Hive Colab (Uganda), Banta Labs (Senegal), and ActivSpaces (Cameroon). Today, the Pan-Afrikan hub network has over 500 innovation hubs from 53 African nations.

AfriLabs continues to serve as a driving force for innovation and entrepreneurship across Africa, providing its member hubs with access to resources, capacity-building programs, and networking opportunities to scale their impact.

The post TechBuzz Hub Founder, Keneth Twesigye Secures Board Position at AfriLabs appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

The first cohort of the blockchain innovation program was a collaborative effort led by the BSV Blockchain Association and local partner Capital Survey, which jointly brought together 50 promising young entrepreneurs from across East Africa. The 10-week program provided them with tools and knowledge to create blockchain-based solutions tailored to real-world challenges.

The core mission of the program was twofold: to introduce participants to blockchain technology and equip them with essential business skills. Through a mix of online learning sessions, hands-on meetups, and a hackathon, the 50 participants received a comprehensive education. The hackathon, in particular, proved to be a highlight, where participants pitched their ideas in a competitive setting —which saw LOWA emerge as the winning project —because of its innovative savings and investment platform leveraging blockchain to reduce transaction costs. Aimed at retail investors in Uganda’s capital markets, LOWA empowers micro-investing in government securities, equities, and real estate, all made possible by blockchain’s cost efficiencies.

The success of the first program demonstrated the potential of blockchain as a tool for economic empowerment. Notably, the blockchain landscape in East Africa saw a transformative initiative with the first cohort of the blockchain innovation program.

With a strong reception and significant interest generated, plans for the second cohort are already underway, promising an even larger and more impactful experience. The BSV Blockchain Association and its partners are committed to involving the private and public sectors, enabling more exposure and career opportunities for all participants, not just the winners.

The second blockchain innovation program will foster a vibrant blockchain ecosystem in East Africa, creating pathways for developers and entrepreneurs.

“The second edition of the blockchain innovation program is bigger and better,” said Edline Murungi, Vice President of the Blockchain Association of Uganda. “We call entrepreneurs, developers, and innovators to apply. She added, “If you have someone who you know who could be interested, please let them know.”

Beyond technical training, participants will receive guidance on business fundamentals such as company valuation, capital raising, and market entry strategies. By providing this holistic education, the program will ensure that young entrepreneurs can bring their ideas from concept to market—a crucial step in creating sustainable businesses that could drive local employment and economic growth.

The blockchain innovation program signals an exciting future for blockchain in East Africa —positioning the region as a hub for tech-driven solutions that address local challenges. By bridging the gap between technology and entrepreneurship, the blockchain innovation program is not only shaping the next generation of innovators but also laying the groundwork for a more connected and technologically adept economy.

Criteria to apply for the program;

• Foundational skills in data structures.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Java, C++, Python, and JavaScript.
• Experience with building tech-centric solutions to real-world challenges.

The post Blockchain Association of Uganda Launches the 2nd Edition of the Blockchain Innovation Program appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

Farmpawa (from Uganda) is among the 10 semi-finalists. The other semi-finalists are from Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, and the United Kingdom.

“We are truly lucky to have become participants of this competition and getting to the semifinals,” Moses Eteku, CEO of Farmpawa told PC Tech Magazine. “With this fund, we envision expanding the reach of the company’s services by reaching more farmers in Uganda and possibly other countries, as well as refining the technologies used in the platform to ease usage for everyone.” He adds “With this funding, we would also be able to increase the amounts of training and support given to farmers improving overall production returns as well as efficiency on their farms.”

FarmPawa is a crowd-farming platform that connects farmers and investors to create mutual benefits of available agricultural opportunities in Uganda. It aims to promote sustainable investment in the agriculture sector as well as provide the farmer with the necessary instruments.

The 10 semi-finalists competing for a grand prize of USD$1 million —will participate in an Innovation Showcase at the Milken Institute’s Middle East and Africa Summit on December 5-6, 2024, in Abu Dhabi, UAE. During the event, the teams will pitch their innovations to a panel of expert judges and investors —and only three teams will be selected to move on to the final round of the prize.

The Grand Prize will be at the Milken Institute’s Global Conference in Los Angeles, in May 2025 where the overall winner will receive USD$1 million.

During the December showcase, the judges will evaluate the pitches based on the teams’ ability to deliver solutions that improve financial inclusion for under-resourced groups in emerging and frontier markets.

The Milken-Motsepe Prize in Fintech awards startups demonstrating the use of cutting-edge technologies to expand access to capital and financial services for small businesses in emerging and frontier markets.

These teams operate in nearly 30 countries across three continents, and their innovations hold the potential for significant breakthroughs in financial inclusion for underserved communities on a global scale. Over the next four months, the Semifinalist teams will test and scale their solutions, which will be evaluated for impact, scalability, and sustainability.

“By supporting these pioneering teams, we aim to foster financial inclusion and empower entrepreneurs who drive economic growth and opportunities in their communities,” said Emily Musil, Senior Director of Milken Institute. “Our prizes help identify, support, and celebrate talent to ignite the entrepreneurial spirit and empower visionaries to turn their ideas for a better future into reality.”

The 10 semi-finalists

The post Farmpawa Secures $100,000 as a Semi-Finalist in the 2024 Milken-Motsepe Fintech Prize appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

The session brought together over 40 SMEs and startups eager to learn how technology can simplify and enhance their operations. Sharing AKT’s capabilities and vision, it became clear that this tool would offer real solutions to the challenges businesses face in managing performance, tracking productivity, and optimizing leadership decision-making.

The promise of AKT: AI-powered team management

AKT (Advanced Knowledge Tool) is an AI-powered solution tailored specifically for SMEs and startups. It offers a user-friendly platform that helps leaders monitor team performance, identify skill gaps, and streamline routine tasks. Through AKT, managers gain the ability to visualize their team’s productivity, enabling them to make data-driven decisions that ultimately improve overall performance.

What sets AKT apart from other tools in the market is its focus on businesses that operate with limited resources. The tool is designed to meet the needs of fast-growing teams and ensure that a business of any size can benefit from cutting-edge technology without the complexity that often comes with large-scale enterprise solutions.

The feedback from the AKT Info Session was overwhelmingly positive, with participants sharing their enthusiasm for adopting the tool. Below are some of the key highlights from the event:

1. 1. Simplified Team Management: SMEs and startups learned how AKT’s intuitive interface can ease the burden of managing teams, regardless of whether employees are working in-office or remotely. The platform aggregates performance data, allowing managers to track progress and improve team dynamics efficiently.
   2. Addressing Team Management Challenges: During the session, we addressed the common challenges businesses face when managing teams, such as the lack of transparency in performance and difficulties in identifying skill gaps. AKT provides a solution by delivering real-time insights that empower leaders to make strategic decisions.
   3. Data Security & Compliance: We reassured attendees about their data security and privacy, as Sumic IT Solutions Ltd. is fully certified under Uganda’s Data Protection and Privacy Act 2019. Being a registered data collector, processor, and controller, we prioritize protecting our clients’ sensitive information while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
   4. Proof of Concept (PoC) Initiative: As part of our PoC initiative, we offered participating SMEs and startups the opportunity to experience AKT firsthand by installing the tool on their devices (computers/laptops). We believe that direct exposure will allow businesses to better understand how AKT can transform their operations. In recognition of their collaboration, participants are eligible for a Motivation Fee as a token of appreciation for their active engagement.

Positive reception and future prospects

Throughout the event, attendees expressed their interest in leveraging AKT to address their operational needs. Many saw the tool’s potential to help them scale their businesses by offering insights that are traditionally only available to larger enterprises. The opportunity to reduce time spent on routine tasks while focusing on business growth resonated strongly with the participants.

The session also sparked insightful discussions on how technology is reshaping the future of work. As businesses increasingly rely on digital tools to manage dispersed teams, AKT’s ability to facilitate seamless team management positions it as an essential solution for businesses navigating the challenges of modern work environments.

Sumic IT Solutions Ltd aims to empower SMEs and startups through innovative digital solutions. The success of the AKT Info Session reinforces their commitment to supporting businesses in adopting technologies that drive growth and efficiency. As they continue to roll out AKT across various sectors, they are excited to see how it will transform team management for organizations at different stages of their journey.

Sumic plans on holding additional workshops and demonstrations in the coming months. They believe that with AKT, SMEs and startups can unlock their full potential by harnessing the power of artificial intelligence to optimize team performance and productivity.

See also: Campaignity technologies develops an AI chatbot for your business

Editor’s Note: The article was written and submitted to PC Tech Magazine by Cirus Sumika, Founder and CEO of Sumic IT Solutions Ltd

The post Sumic to Transform Team Management for SMEs and Startups Using Artificial Intelligence appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

The project supports women entrepreneurs in transitioning from micro and small enterprises to medium-sized and large enterprises.

PostBank, the only government bank among the banks implementing the GROW project has efficiently disbursed all the funds allocated to women entrepreneurs across various sectors, including agriculture, trade and commerce, business services, and construction.

“We thank the government for championing such a great initiative that not only drives financial inclusion but encourages women entrepreneurs to participate in social economic activities that align with the government’s National Development Plan III agenda (NDP III), with the aim of increasing the average household incomes and improve the quality of life of Ugandans,” Ibrahim Kato, PostBank Uganda’s Chief Retail Officer, said in a press statement.

Kato added, “Through the PostBank’s Smart Woman Account, we have been able to disburse the first tranche of UGX6 billion and we believe this will go a long way in growing women’s businesses and contribute to sustained economic development.

The GROW Loan product is exclusive to women-led businesses and is being disbursed through a PostBank Account to provide affordable banking solutions.

“As a bank with the purpose of driving financial inclusion to enable our people to Grow and Prosper, we welcome projects like the GROW Loan which is designed to enable women entrepreneurs to take charge of their financial future,” said Kato. “We have applied for and we are awaiting the disbursement of the second tranche to PostBank so that we can continue to support the government to grow women led businesses in Uganda.”

In addition to the GROW Loan, PostBank has been pivotal in supporting the government to implement projects that are designed to foster prosperity for Ugandans. Some of the projects include the disbursement of the Parish Development Model money through the Wendi Mobile Wallet by PostBank, payment of COVID-19 funds to households, and support of the Landslide victims in Bududa among others.

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