Uganda pledges lower device costs to boost BPO sector

KAMPALA, UGANDA — The Ugandan government has committed to reducing the cost of smartphones and other digital devices in a bid to improve internet accessibility and position the country as a competitive player in the business process outsourcing (BPO) sector.
This initiative, led by the State House Investors Protection Unit and the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, is expected to bridge the digital divide, enhance digital literacy, and drive economic transformation through outsourcing services.
Government pledges digital inclusion
During a key meeting in Kampala, Edith Nakalema, head of the State House Investors Protection Unit, convened over 30 stakeholders, including investors, government officials, private sector leaders, and international development partners. The discussions centered on strategies to advance Uganda’s BPO industry and overcome barriers to growth.
Aminah Zawedde, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to making digital devices accessible.
“Government is going to contribute to this cause through the reduction of costs on digital devices, but we are also already on course with digital infrastructure across the country,” Zawedde said.
The initiative aligns with Uganda’s broader goals of increasing internet penetration and fostering a digitally literate population.
Barriers hindering BPO growth
Despite these promising developments, experts have flagged several challenges that could hinder Uganda’s progress in the BPO space. High internet costs remain a significant obstacle for many Ugandans, while inadequate skills training and limited market access further constrain the sector’s potential.
Stakeholders emphasized the need for comprehensive policies addressing these issues to ensure sustainable growth within Uganda’s outsourcing industry.
Uganda’s vision for economic transformation
As Uganda aims to diversify its economy, making smartphones more affordable is seen as a critical step toward achieving digital inclusivity. By addressing infrastructure gaps and fostering a supportive policy environment, Uganda could emerge as a global outsourcing hub.
The government’s focus on reducing device costs complements ongoing investments in digital infrastructure. With strong collaboration between public and private sectors, Uganda is well-positioned to leverage its growing technological capacity for economic transformation and job creation.
This initiative underscores Uganda’s commitment to becoming a digitally inclusive economy while tapping into the lucrative global outsourcing market.