Uganda has a significant opportunity to grow rapidly in the global digital economy by leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI).
This new technology can help improve many areas, like healthcare, farming, and business. However, to take full advantage of AI, the country needs to act quickly.
Experts say that without enough investment in education, training, and public awareness about AI, Uganda could fall further behind.
If people don’t get the right skills and knowledge, the gap between those who can use digital tools and those who can’t will continue to grow.
Speaking during an interview with Business Times Uganda, Bill Dan Arnold Borodi, Head of Public Relations and Communications at Otic Group, emphasized that Uganda’s youthful population presents a unique advantage in building a digitally skilled workforce to drive economic growth.
“Through AI, we can unlock our economy and leapfrog to a first-world status, but we need to work on a lot of things, starting with awareness and education,” Borodi stated.
Uganda’s Youth: A Demographic Advantage for AI Growth
With over 75% of the population below the age of 30, Uganda enjoys what Borodi describes as a “demographic advantage” critical to driving AI adoption.
“The majority of our population, according to UBOS, is youthful, which is a very big advantage. Young people are fresh minds, people ready to learn, transform, and innovate,” he explained.
According to Borodi, educating this young population on AI will prepare them for opportunities within the knowledge economy while positioning Uganda as a key provider of skilled digital talent globally.
“Developed nations like the United States have an older population compared to us. If our young people are self-aware about AI, and understand how these systems and algorithms work, we can provide the globe with skilled manpower,” he added.
Borodi argued that this skilled workforce will not only attract high-paying digital jobs but will also generate income that flows back into the country, boosting Uganda’s economy.
AI to Empower Agriculture and Healthcare Innovation
Borodi stressed that beyond creating digital jobs, AI education is vital for local innovation in key sectors like agriculture and healthcare, which employ the majority of Ugandans.
“Agriculture is our backbone, employing over 70% of our workforce. With AI skills, our youth can develop localized tools to support precision farming, market forecasting, disease detection, and increased yields,” he explained.
He highlighted that Uganda has already seen successful AI applications in healthcare, such as AI-powered portable X-ray machines used for tuberculosis screening in rural areas. However, there remains a shortage of trained individuals to operate these technologies.
“The people manning these tests are very limited because they are not informed. We need more people educated about AI to manage these healthcare solutions effectively,” Borodi said.
Tackling Uganda’s Digital Divide
Despite the potential, Borodi acknowledged Uganda faces a major digital divide that threatens inclusive growth. He cited alarming statistics showing limited access to basic digital tools across schools.
“According to a recent UNDP study, only 25% of secondary schools in Uganda have access to functional computer labs,” he noted.
Bridging this gap, he said, requires targeted AI awareness campaigns and deliberate efforts to bring digital education to rural communities.
“We need to intentionally go into these rural areas to ensure all young people can benefit. AI education must address the rural digital divide to guarantee inclusive growth,” he urged.
AI Upskilling Critical for Uganda’s Workforce
Borodi emphasized that AI awareness must be complemented with continuous upskilling to create a digitally competent workforce that can participate in the global economy.
“Everything now is becoming digital. We need to invest in AI, better science education, and up-skilling to create a digitally affluent population,” he explained.
He added that equipping Uganda’s youth with digital skills could significantly boost the country’s GDP.
“Investing in AI and science education could add about $2.5 billion to our GDP over the next 10 years, according to World Bank IG estimates,” Borodi noted.
Uganda’s Global AI Ambitions
Through its initiatives, Otic Group, a diversified holding company focused on AI innovation, education, and Business Process Outsourcing (BPO), is working to position Uganda as a hub for AI talent.
“We have a mission of empowering 3 million people with AI skills and creating 1 million jobs by 2030,” Borodi revealed.
He shared examples of partnerships, including ongoing BPO projects with NC Contact Consultancy and interest from South Korean firms seeking skilled Ugandan workers.
“These countries lack the workforce, but we have it. Through AI and the knowledge economy, we can provide the world with skilled manpower, which brings money back to Uganda, developing our country,” he added.
Borodi concluded by stressing that intentional investment in AI awareness, education, and local innovation is essential for Uganda to overcome its digital divide and realize its economic potential.
“With AI education, we will produce local products, empower local solutions, and develop a digitally affluent population ready for the Fourth Industrial Revolution,” he affirmed.
