Ms. Yvonne Mpanga, the chairperson Business Trendsetters Forum has advised business owners to think beyond the Ugandan market and eye the global market in order to help them reach a wider market and acquire new ideas, innovations and get connections.
She made the remarks at The Business Trends Expo held under the theme ‘Mindset Change Enabling Re-innovation In Business.’ at Onomo Hotel in Kampala on Tuesday, 7th February 2023.
The one-day event attracted exhibitors in the manufacturing sector, education, and health among other sectors.
“We should make businesses for the local market but with intentions to take it to the global market. We should think locally but act globally,” Ms. Mpanga said, adding that local innovations should match global trends.
She vouched for cross mentorship where already established business leaders can help and mentor startups and young entrepreneurs.
The one-day expo was presided over by the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Monica Musenero Masanza who encouraged innovators to form networks to achieve collective growth.
“For a long time, innovators have worked as discreet entities. Innovation works in an ecosystem, a network of things. They need a lot of connection but when they are alone, they don’t grow,” the minister said.
Adding: “My message is for you to create a full network for us to support innovators who are going to drive the nation forward. Every innovation that doesn’t become a business is a dead innovation,”
Dr Musenero said that her ministry is fully committed and available to support innovators cross that bridge into commercialization.
The minister used the occasion to launch the upcoming 4th Business Trendsetters Forum 2023 that will happen on May 4,2023 at Sheraton Hotel.
