The fifth edition of the Business Trendsetters’ Forum is scheduled for August 29, 2024, at the Sheraton Kampala Hotel. This event will bring together CEOs, business leaders, and entrepreneurs under the theme “Artificial Intelligence, Your Mind, and Your Business.”
Notable figures such as Dr. Joseph Muvawala from the National Planning Authority and Minister of Justice & Constitutional Affairs Norbert Mao are expected to grace the occasion. The event is championed by Yvonne Mpanga, a Business Development Consultant and the Executive Director of Business Trends Galore, with a focus on identifying, recognizing, and promoting significant business trends.
Support for the forum comes from various organizations, including the Youth Startup Academy Uganda (YSAU), the National Planning Authority (NPA), Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), the National Social Security Fund (NSSF), and Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB), among others. Mpanga expressed her gratitude, stating, “We are privileged to have organizations such as the Youth Startup Academy (YSAU), URA, HiPipo, URSB, the National Planning Authority (NPA), and PPDA supporting this year’s forum.”
The event aims to inspire innovation across different sectors and will conclude with a Trendsetters’ Awards Gala, where outstanding achievers will be honored in various categories, including Business Trends Heroes, Business Trendsetters in the Private and Public Sectors, and Business Trendsetter Youth.
The awards are determined through a public survey conducted annually between October and January since 2021, followed by a rigorous investigation to select the final nominees. The list of nominees has been published on the forum’s website.
“We encourage everyone to join us on August 29th at the Sheraton Kampala Hotel to witness the achievements of these trailblazers,” Mpanga added.
The forum will also feature over 50 exhibitors from various sectors, including medicine and finance, showcasing innovations that embody the spirit of creativity and progress. Mpanga emphasized that the forum’s focus is not just on companies but on the innovative ideas driving them forward.
“Our 3T test—Trend, Transferability, and Transcendence—is applied to every exhibitor. We’re looking for trends that are impactful, replicable, and forward-thinking,” she explained.
Among the key exhibitors is Neexa AI, an AI-powered sales agent designed to enhance business efficiency by integrating with websites and social media platforms. Ethan Bampeire, Team Lead at Neexa AI, expressed his excitement about participating in the event. “We have seen AI impact businesses globally, and in Uganda, we’ve seen companies using Neexa AI report a 25% to 50% increase in sales and efficiency. This forum is the perfect platform to discuss and showcase how AI can transform businesses.”
Bampeire is particularly eager to engage with fellow exhibitors and panelists at the event. “This is the right time for businesses to come together and discuss AI, the mindset, and the impact on business. We’re excited to introduce our AI solutions and see how they can help other businesses improve their sales and marketing,” he said.
Direct Line Technologies, represented by a participant who credited the Youth Startup Academy Uganda for the opportunity, will also be exhibiting at the forum. The company specializes in integrating AI into data processing and analysis. “I can’t wait to interact with fellow exhibitors and explore how we can incorporate AI into our businesses,” the representative said. Rosemary, an exhibitor from Aeroglide Technologies, which supports land surveyors with drone technologies, echoed the sentiment: “AI is here to help us run our businesses more smoothly, faster, and safer.”
Mpanga also emphasized embracing new technologies while maintaining core business principles. “Technology should simplify what businesses do, but the foundational message and innovation must come from the businesses themselves. Change is inevitable, and AI is the latest wave we need to ride.”
The forum’s theme, “Artificial Intelligence, Your Mind, and Your Business,” underscores the growing significance of technology in today’s business landscape. “AI is not here to replace jobs but to enhance efficiency and innovation,” Mpanga reassured. “With exhibitors from all walks of life, showcasing everything from AI-driven malaria treatments to virtual office assistants, this forum promises to be a groundbreaking event for Uganda’s business community.”
Tickets for the event are priced at UGX 250,000 for individuals, UGX 500,000 for companies with one representative, and UGX 2.5 million for a corporate table.
The forum has built a strong reputation over the years, with past editions focusing on themes like planning for profits, business continuity through innovation, and resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic. This year’s event aims to continue that legacy by exploring how AI is shaping the future of business in Uganda and beyond.
