Uganda’s telecom leaders and regulators aim to close the country’s significant digital usage gap, noting that broadband now reaches about 96% of the population, while more than 70% remain offline. GSMA Africa, MTN, and UCC attribute low uptake to high device costs, limited skills, and scarce local content. Ongoing efforts focus on cheaper smartphones, lower data prices, digital literacy programs, and policy reforms to ensure more Ugandans benefit from the digital economy.

Absa Uganda introduced three digital payment tools—the Multi-Currency Virtual Card, Absa Pay, and Absa Pay by Link—to expand secure, convenient transactions for individuals and businesses. The card supports five currencies for cross-border payments, while Absa Pay enables instant digital card access for contactless phone payments. Absa Pay by Link lets businesses receive Visa-based payments instantly. The launch aligns with the rising use of digital payments and Absa’s strategy to strengthen customer-driven digital banking.

Ugandan youth, led by MTN Uganda and WWF, showcased climate and sustainability innovations in the inaugural Pachi Panda Innovation Challenge. FarmGate Digital, an online platform connecting farmers and traders, won UGX 15 million. KampalaBuzzline, a bee-conservation project, received UGX 10 million, and EcoDrop, a plastic recycling initiative, earned UGX 5 million. The winners receive funding, incubation, and mentorship and will represent Uganda at the Africa Pachi Panda Finals in South Africa, joining innovators from other African nations.