Middle East & Africa Digital Transformation Summit 2025: Advancing Sustainable Development Goals

Uganda’s capital, Kampala, is hosting the Middle East & Africa Digital Transformation Summit 2025 at the Kampala Serena Hotel. This landmark regional event focuses on “Driving Digital Transformation for a Connected and Inclusive MEA Region,” bringing together senior government officials, private sector leaders, development partners, and technology innovators from across Africa and the Middle East to promote regional digital growth aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Inclusive Innovation and Closing the Digital Divide

The summit was officially opened by Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, Prime Minister of Uganda, who delivered a keynote address on behalf of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. She emphasized the summit’s role as a collaborative platform to bridge the digital divide, a critical factor in achieving SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

1. Prime Minister Nabbanja highlighted the importance of digital transformation as a foundational pillar for inclusive and sustainable development (SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth; SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities).
2. She called for actionable outcomes beyond presentations, urging commitments to investment and innovation in key areas such as blockchain, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, fintech, smart agriculture, and affordable connectivity.
3. The focus on fostering ecosystems and partnerships aligns with SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

ICT at the Core of Uganda’s National Development Strategy

Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, Minister of ICT and National Guidance, reiterated the central role of digital infrastructure in Uganda’s Vision 2040 and National Development Plan (NDP IV), which are aligned with SDG targets.

• Priorities include broadband expansion, e-government services, local innovation ecosystems, and digital skills development, directly supporting SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 9.
• Uganda aims to position itself as a regional hub for digital transformation, promoting sustainable economic growth and innovation.
• The government welcomes partnerships in ICT device manufacturing, software development, clean energy, and youth digital skilling, supporting SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Pan-Regional Commitment to Digital Inclusion

The summit is co-organized by HiPipo, the COMESA Business Council, and Uganda’s Ministry of ICT & National Guidance, with support from global and regional institutions. Hon. Joyce Nabbosa Ssebugwawo, Minister of State for ICT & National Guidance, emphasized the shared vision for digital empowerment across the region.

• With over 1.4 billion people in Africa and the Middle East, the summit addresses the needs of the youngest and fastest-growing populations, focusing on youth and women empowerment (SDG 5: Gender Equality; SDG 10).
• Digital transformation is recognized as a tool to maximize the digital dividend and deliver value to underserved communities, advancing SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being).

Engagement of the Tech Industry and Financial Innovation

Private sector leaders reinforced the summit’s goals:

• Innocent Kawooya, CEO of HiPipo, described the summit as a gateway to unprecedented opportunities, emphasizing the transition from dialogue to investment and scalable impact, supporting SDG 8 and SDG 9.
• Richard Yego, CEO of MTN MoMo Uganda, highlighted digital finance’s role in fostering inclusion and enabling access to financial services for millions, contributing to SDG 1 and SDG 10.
• A panel discussion on Islamic Finance explored ethical finance models as drivers for inclusive financial digital transformation, promoting equitable innovation in underserved communities.

Summit Activities and Strategic Focus Areas

The three-day summit includes plenary discussions, breakout sessions, exhibitions, and networking forums covering:

• Smart cities and digital infrastructure (SDG 11)
• E-government and public service delivery (SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions)
• Youth skilling and innovation hubs (SDG 4, SDG 8)
• Cybersecurity and data sovereignty
• Fintech and cross-border payments (SDG 9, SDG 10)
• Green technology and sustainability (SDG 7, SDG 13)

Uganda is positioning itself as a leader in digital transformation, aligning its initiatives with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, Africa’s Agenda 2063, and regional frameworks such as the COMESA Digital Free Trade Area.

Outcomes and Future Directions

In her closing remarks, Prime Minister Nabbanja tasked the Ministry of ICT with compiling key summit recommendations for integration into national policy and implementation frameworks, reinforcing SDG 17.

She emphasized building lasting frameworks and partnerships to transform economies and uplift communities, positioning Uganda as a regional leader in digital empowerment.

The Middle East & Africa Digital Transformation Summit 2025 continues through Friday, with participation from over 30 countries, regional organizations, development agencies, technology firms, and youth innovators, collectively advancing the SDGs through digital transformation.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed in the Article

1. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Emphasis on digital skills development and youth skilling.
2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Promotion of innovation, investment, and digital economy growth.
3. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • Focus on broadband expansion, digital infrastructure, and innovation ecosystems.
4. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Commitment to digital inclusion for youth, women, and underserved communities.
5. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Development of e-government services and cybersecurity measures.
6. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • Mobilizing investments and fostering partnerships for digital transformation.

2. Specific Targets Under Identified SDGs

1. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Target 4.4: Increase the number of youth and adults with relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment and entrepreneurship.
2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Target 8.2: Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading, and innovation.
3. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure.
   • Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade technological capabilities, and encourage innovation.
4. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, or other status.
5. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable, and transparent institutions at all levels.
6. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • Target 17.16: Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article

1. SDG 4 Indicators
   • Proportion of youth and adults with ICT skills relevant for employment (implied through digital skills development initiatives).
2. SDG 8 Indicators
   • Growth rate of GDP per capita in the digital economy sector (implied by focus on digital economy growth and investment).
3. SDG 9 Indicators
   • Proportion of population covered by broadband internet (explicitly mentioned broadband expansion).
   • Number of innovation hubs and startups supported (implied through innovation ecosystems and youth innovation hubs).
4. SDG 10 Indicators
   • Access to digital financial services by underserved populations (implied through digital finance inclusion initiatives).
5. SDG 16 Indicators
   • Number of government services available online (e-government services).
   • Measures of cybersecurity incidents and data protection (implied through cybersecurity focus).
6. SDG 17 Indicators
   • Number and value of partnerships and investments mobilized for digital transformation.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: softpower.ug