Mastercard and the Ugandan Ministry of ICT & National Guidance have joined hands to propel the country’s digital transformation journey. This collaboration, marked by a signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), supports the “Digital Uganda Vision” and aims to unlock socio-economic development, improve services, and foster financial inclusion.
The agreement aligns perfectly with Uganda’s “Digital Uganda Vision,” which seeks to empower its citizens, achieve universal inclusion, and drive sustainable development through digitalization across various sectors. This vision resonates with Mastercard’s commitment to financial inclusion, aiming to bring 1 billion individuals into the digital economy by 2025, including micro-entrepreneurs and women-led businesses.
A key focus of this partnership is to modernize Uganda’s digital payments system, making it more accessible and inclusive for small businesses. This will equip them with the tools to connect with the global digital economy, accept electronic payments, and expand their market reach, ultimately contributing to Uganda’s economic growth.
Unlocking E-commerce and E-government Potential
The initiative will also explore using digital payment solutions to support e-commerce platforms and e-government initiatives. This will streamline domestic and cross-border transactions, significantly simplifying business operations and service delivery, ultimately boosting Uganda’s economic activity.
The partnership between Mastercard and the Ugandan government holds significant promise for accelerating Uganda’s digital transformation journey and fostering a more inclusive and prosperous future.
“Digital innovation is not just about technology; it’s about the opportunity to improve lives. Our collaboration with the Ministry of ICT & National Guidance is a powerful example of how cross-sector cooperation can significantly advance digital inclusion and economic growth. Together, we are committed to unlocking the potential of a digital Uganda, making a positive impact on millions of lives by providing access to essential services and financial inclusion,” said Victor Ndlovu, Director and Business Development Lead for East Africa at Mastercard.
Under this MoU, Mastercard will provide technical assistance and expertise to support the Ugandan Government’s digitization and financial inclusion efforts. This includes the digitization of traditional services such as Posta Uganda to capture new revenue flows and deliver integrated and convenient experiences for customers. Additionally, Mastercard and the Uganda Ministry of ICT & National Guidance will focus on enabling skill development among Ugandan start-ups, empowering them with the knowledge and tools needed for success in the digital age.
“A digital future is a prosperous future. This collaboration with Mastercard is a significant leap towards achieving the Digital Uganda Vision. Together, we are laying the foundation for a future where every Ugandan, regardless of where they are located, can access essential services with ease and security, driving not just financial inclusion but also socio-economic development across the country,” said Hon. Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, Minister of ICT and National Guidance in Uganda.
The realization of a Digital Uganda will electronically deliver a variety of government and private services in various fields like education, health, agriculture, social security, banking, justice, communication and much more. The Government of Uganda is committed to accelerating digital transformation and providing support to all sectors of the economy to enhance livelihoods, generate employment and produce goods for export and import substitution, paving the way for a brighter, more prosperous future for all Ugandans.