Uganda launched a new plan that will see the country boost its export of Information Technologies and IT-related enabled services. The three-year project dubbed IT and ITES Sector Export and Marketing Plans is expected to increase IT software exports from Uganda resulting in wealth creation and employment for Ugandans.
Speaking at the launch in Kampala recently, Information Communication and Technology (ICT) Minister John Nasasira said: “This sector export plan has already been incorporated into the Uganda export promotion plan developed by the National Planning Authority. It is a very crucial step in opening up the borders to serve other markets.”
Government, private sector associations, select Ugandan SMEs and the United Nations International Trade Centre (ITC) with the support of the Netherlands Government, have been working together to enhance Uganda’s export competitiveness in Information Technology Enabled Services (ITES) and Business Process Outsourcing Services (BPO) sectors.
Mr Robert Skidmore, the chief sector competitiveness section ITC, in his speech, said: “ITC developed the project with the very close collaboration of the National Information Technology Authority of Uganda (NITA-U) and industry associations as well as close consultation with companies in the industry.”
Mr James Saaka, the executive director NITA-U said ICT is one of the key sectors that will enhance economic growth and reduce youth unemployment in the country. “ICT sector contributed to government revenue from Shs332b in 2014. With the export of ICTs, we hope to see this go up to Shs600b,” he said
