Kampala, February 21, 2025 – Uganda is set to host the Middle East-Africa Digital Transformation Summit (MEA-DTS) 2025, a landmark event that aims to redefine the role of digital innovation in socio-economic development. Scheduled to take place from June 25 to 27, 2025, at the Kampala Serena Hotel, the summit will bring together policymakers, investors, industry leaders, and innovators from across Africa and the Middle East to explore transformative digital technologies. With H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni as the chief host, the event signals Uganda’s commitment to leveraging digital technology as a driver of economic growth, job creation, and regional integration.
Co-organized by the COMESA Business Council, the Ministry of ICT & National Guidance, and HiPipo, the summit aligns with Uganda’s Vision 2040, the East African Community (EAC) Vision 2050, Africa Agenda 2063, and the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As Africa continues its digital revolution, the summit will serve as a platform to explore the role of emerging technologies, policy frameworks, and investment strategies in shaping a connected, inclusive, and competitive digital economy, according to Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, minister of ICT and National Guidance.
Aligning Digital Transformation with Development Goals
MEA-DTS 2025 is designed to accelerate the integration of ICT-driven solutions into key sectors, positioning digital transformation as a core pillar of Africa and the Middle East’s economic strategies. Uganda’s Vision 2040 recognizes ICT as a catalyst for economic transformation, with an emphasis on expanding digital infrastructure, financial technology, and e-governance. The EAC Vision 2050 envisions ICT-driven growth in agriculture, tourism, oil and gas, and the knowledge economy, while Africa Agenda 2063 highlights the role of technology in fostering economic self-reliance, innovation, and industrialization.
By focusing on financial inclusion, digital health, smart cities, and e-learning, the summit will contribute to key SDGs, including SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure). The integration of digital technologies across public and private sectors is expected to enhance service delivery, improve governance, and unlock new economic opportunities.
Key Themes and Discussions: The Future of Digital Innovation
MEA-DTS 2025 will feature discussions on emerging digital innovations, including artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, financial technology (fintech), and smart city infrastructure. The event will explore how AI-powered automation can enhance productivity in agriculture, healthcare, and manufacturing, and how blockchain technology can improve transparency in financial transactions and supply chains.
Digital financial services will be a central focus, with an emphasis on financial technology (fintech) solutions that address financial inclusion challenges. In many parts of Africa and the Middle East, access to traditional banking remains limited, making fintech innovations such as mobile banking, digital lending, and cryptocurrency solutions crucial for economic participation. The summit will showcase fintech solutions designed to empower underserved communities, particularly small-scale entrepreneurs, farmers, and informal workers.
Discussions on digital health and education will examine the role of telemedicine, AI-driven diagnostics, and e-learning platforms in expanding access to essential services. With Africa experiencing rapid urbanization, experts will also explore smart city solutions, focusing on sustainable infrastructure, energy efficiency, and digital public services.
Policy and regulatory frameworks will be a key topic, with governments and industry stakeholders discussing best practices for data protection, cybersecurity, and ICT governance. As digital transformation accelerates, there is a growing need for harmonized regulations that promote innovation while ensuring consumer protection and data privacy.
Advancing Digital Inclusion and Investment
The summit aims to foster collaboration between policymakers, investors, and technology leaders to accelerate digital transformation. One of its core objectives is to attract investment into digital infrastructure, innovation hubs, and ICT enterprises, ensuring that Africa and the Middle East remain competitive in the global digital economy.
By showcasing advanced digital solutions, the event will highlight practical strategies for addressing socio-economic challenges, including job creation, digital literacy, and access to financial services. The summit will also emphasize the role of public-private partnerships in advancing digital transformation, providing a platform for companies and governments to forge strategic alliances.
With the participation of youth delegations from over 70 universities across Africa and the Middle East, MEA-DTS 2025 will also prioritize digital skills development, recognizing that the next generation of tech entrepreneurs and professionals will be pivotal in driving economic growth.
Key Activities: Knowledge Sharing and Capacity Building
MEA-DTS 2025 will feature keynote addresses from global technology leaders, offering insights into the future of digital transformation. Panel discussions and workshops will bring together experts from diverse fields, facilitating interactive sessions on cutting-edge innovations. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in masterclasses and hands-on training, equipping them with practical skills to develop and implement digital solutions.
A special focus will be placed on networking and collaboration, enabling startups, investors, and policymakers to connect and explore opportunities for regional partnerships. The summit will also provide a platform for government leaders to outline digital transformation policies, ensuring that Africa and the Middle East adopt a cohesive and forward-looking digital strategy.
Expected Outcomes: Economic Growth and Technological Advancement
The outcomes of the MEA-DTS 2025 are expected to be far-reaching. The summit aims to drive faster and more inclusive economic growth, leading to a higher GDP per capita for participating nations. By promoting digital trade and e-commerce, the event will enhance Africa and the Middle East’s role in the global digital economy, improving export volumes and revenue mobilization.
With a strong emphasis on renewable energy innovations, the summit will contribute to the development of clean and sustainable technologies, reducing dependency on fossil fuels and promoting environmentally friendly solutions. Advances in e-learning and digital health are expected to improve education and healthcare access, particularly in underserved regions.
A key policy outcome will be the development of a more dynamic and enabling regulatory framework, ensuring that governments create policies that support innovation, attract investment, and protect digital consumers. The summit will also position Uganda as a leading destination for tech investment, boosting trade, tourism, and economic competitiveness.
