Uganda is set to make history by hosting the inaugural Middle East and Africa Digital Transformation Summit (MEA-DTS) from June 25th to 27th, 2025, at the prestigious Kampala Serena Hotel.
This event, announced by Hon. Dr. Chris Baryomunsi (PhD), Uganda’s Cabinet Minister for ICT and National Guidance during a press launch at the Uganda Media Center, promises to be a transformative moment in the region’s digital landscape. With its focus on innovation, collaboration, and sustainable development, the summit is expected to attract global attention and participation.
The MEA-DTS will operate under the theme “Driving Digital Transformation for a Connected and Inclusive MEA Region” and will have H.E. President Yoweri K. Museveni as the Chief Host.
This theme aligns seamlessly with Uganda’s Vision 2040, which emphasizes the critical role of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in transforming Uganda from a predominantly agricultural society into a modern and prosperous nation.
Dr. Baryomunsi highlighted that this summit also supports the East African Community (EAC) Vision 2050 by leveraging ICTs for value addition in critical sectors such as agriculture, tourism, minerals, oil & gas, and knowledge-based industries. These efforts aim to create jobs, boost livelihoods, and enhance regional competitiveness.
Beyond regional development goals, the summit is poised to play a significant role in advancing global priorities by contributing to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Dr. Baryomunsi emphasized how digital technologies can drive progress toward SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).
By focusing on these goals, the MEA-DTS aims to foster an environment where technology becomes a catalyst for economic transformation while improving quality of life across the Middle East and Africa.
This ambitious summit is being co-organized by Uganda’s Ministry of ICT & National Guidance, the COMESA Business Council (CBC), and HiPipo—a leading organization in ICT and financial inclusion across Africa.
HiPipo’s reputation precedes it; the organization was recently recognized as the Most Innovative Financial Inclusion Organization in the Middle East and Africa for 2024, while its Chief Executive, Innocent Kawooya, was honored as the FinTech CEO of the Year across these regions.
Speaking at the launch event, Kawooya underscored how this summit ties perfectly into Uganda’s National Vision 2040 as well as global agendas such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Africa Agenda 2063.
HiPipo has been at the forefront of digital transformation for over two decades through initiatives like 40 Days 40 FinTechs, which showcases innovative financial technology solutions; Women In FinTech Initiative, which empowers women in technology; HiPipo Music Awards, celebrating digital creativity; Digital Impact Awards Africa, recognizing excellence in digital innovation; and Digital and Financial Inclusion Summits.
These efforts have meaningfully impacted low-income Africans by empowering AgriTech innovators who have helped over 600,000 smallholder farmers access land, connect with genuine input suppliers, reach better markets, and eliminate exploitative middlemen.
Kawooya expressed optimism about hosting this summit in Uganda, noting that it will provide an opportunity for meaningful discussions on topics like digital innovation, financial services, policy regulation, sustainability, and impact.
Dr. Jonathan Pinifolo, Chief Operating Officer at COMESA Business Council, also spoke passionately about the summit’s potential to unlock new opportunities for governments and private sector players in ICT. He noted that COMESA—the largest trading bloc in Africa—sees this summit as a chance to connect with other regions like the Middle East by leveraging digital tools for seamless trade across borders.
Dr. Pinifolo envisions that this collaboration will deepen e-government services while boosting investment opportunities in sectors such as manufacturing, commercial agriculture, e-commerce, employment creation, oil & gas exploration, energy production, wealth creation, and modernization.
The MEA-DTS is expected to attract participants from over 60 countries, including policymakers, industry leaders, innovators, investors, and young visionaries from more than 70 universities across Africa and the Middle East.
The summit will feature exhibitions of advanced digital solutions designed to foster economic growth while improving public services. Networking sessions will also play a key role in facilitating collaboration among stakeholders from diverse backgrounds.
