MTN Uganda has reiterated its support for Uganda’s ambition to grow into a US$500 billion economy, positioning digital infrastructure as a key driver of industrialisation and regional competitiveness. The commitment was highlighted by CEO Sylvia Mulinge during the 3rd Annual Regional Industrialization Conference (RIC2026), held on August 18–19, 2026, at the Kampala Serena Hotel.
Convened by the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU) in partnership with the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives and other stakeholders, RIC2026 carried the theme “Unlocking Industrial Competitiveness through Innovation and Regional Value Chain Integration.” The event brought together policymakers, private-sector leaders, investors and regional institutions to advance practical steps toward East Africa’s industrial transformation.
Speaking at the conference, Mulinge stressed that industrialisation extends beyond factories to the underlying systems that allow businesses to produce more, compete effectively and create greater value. She argued that digital infrastructure can accelerate Uganda’s industrial transformation by connecting manufacturers to markets, improving operational efficiency and strengthening competitiveness across East Africa.
“When digital integration drives economic integration, digital inclusion becomes economic inclusion,” Mulinge noted in remarks linked to the conference. MTN Uganda stated that it is committed to supporting the government’s US$500 billion Tenfold Growth Strategy by providing the digital networks and services that enable businesses and industries to scale and compete regionally.
Uganda’s Tenfold Growth Strategy seeks to expand the economy from roughly US$50–70 billion to US$500 billion by around 2040. The plan rests on pillars including commercial agriculture, industrialisation, tourism, minerals (including oil and gas), science, technology and innovation, and digital transformation. Government estimates show the economy grew by about 6.4% in the most recent fiscal year, with industry accounting for roughly 24% of GDP.
RIC2026 focused on moving from agenda-setting to implementation, addressing trade barriers, standards, logistics, financing gaps, skills development and the operationalisation of regional value chains under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
As one of Uganda’s leading telecommunications providers, MTN Uganda continues to invest in network expansion, data services and fintech solutions. The company views reliable connectivity as foundational to productivity gains, market access for manufacturers and the broader digital inclusion required to realise national growth targets.
By participating in RIC2026 and publicly aligning its digital infrastructure investments with the US$500 billion ambition, MTN Uganda underscored the private sector’s role in translating policy vision into practical economic outcomes. The conference outcomes, including policy commitments and investment pipelines, will be monitored in the months ahead as East African stakeholders seek to convert dialogue into measurable industrial progress.
