The Innovation Village

Born amidst the turmoil of Northern Uganda’s insurgency, Grace Anena’s journey is one of survival, resilience, and transformation. At just 16, her education at Keyo Primary School was brutally interrupted when #LRA rebels abducted her and forced her into marriage with a soldier. For three years, she endured life in the jungle, bore a son, and sustained bullet injuries in crossfire before being rescued by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (#UPDF). Left with scars that tell a story of survival, Grace spent months in medical care and later joined a Child of War Centre, where she attempted tailoring but was physically unable to operate a sewing machine. Her true transformation began with a radio announcement from Gulu Women Economic Development and Globalisation (GWEDG) about capacity-building programs. Drawn to the accessibility of raw materials and local market potential, she enrolled in a soap-making initiative run by the Innovation Village under the #NextWaveProgram. Today, Grace is more than a war survivor but a thriving entrepreneur, crafting hope and rewriting her narrative with every detergent product she makes. Catch her full story 👉 https://bit.ly/40P2asy #YoungAfricaWorks

Do you have a #SLAP (Slap Lining Action Plan) for your business? If not, consider joining us today virtually for the initial #SLAP Bootcamp, where you will gain the essential tools and insights every entrepreneur needs to build sustainable, scalable revenue streams. This bootcamp will guide you through the core strategies required to structure a clear, actionable plan, focusing on aligning your goals with effective revenue-generating activities. Join Now 👉 https://lnkd.in/d2P6Kdmj

Many people still face barriers when it comes to using mobile internet and handling essential digital transactions, such as money transfers and payments. The ‘2021 Uganda Inclusive Digital Economy Score Card’ by UNCDF reveals that Uganda scored only 33% on digital skills, highlighting the urgent need for investment in digital literacy to unlock the country's full potential. Recently, during a webinar hosted with partners TechCabal Insights on Uganda’s #DigitalEconomy under the theme ‘Navigating trends and seizing opportunities’ panellists Michael Niyitegeka  and Collin Babirukamu discussed how the shortage of talent pool affects the growth of our digital economy. Some of the gaps cited included unbalanced distribution of talent within Uganda and a lack of industry wide talent pool database of developers among others. We believe that a thriving digital economy starts with empowering and equipping people with the skills to provide solutions. By investing in talent which includes supporting innovators and freelancers, training digital creators, and collaborating across industries, we can build pathways for Ugandans to fill high-demand roles in fields like EdTech, fintech, agritech, and more. For more insights on Uganda’s Digital Economy infrastructure watch the #video and to get insights on the #DigitalEconomyOutlookReport for a comprehensive analysis and strategies for navigating Uganda’s digital economy download the report via: https://lnkd.in/d6Jgek2D #DigitalInclusion

Join the Silver Lining Action Plan (#SLAP) program and unlock your business potential with a powerful toolkit designed to drive growth. Gain access to data-driven insights that empower smart decision-making, unlimited human support from dedicated mentors, and tailored marketing and sales campaigns to expand your reach. By joining the program, you will benefit from exclusive offers and capital access to fuel your growth and become part of a vibrant global community of small business owners. Register 👉 https://bit.ly/3YEisS7 to join our first bootcamp this Friday.

In 2009, musician #DaveCarroll found himself at odds with United Airlines after his guitar was damaged during a flight transfer at Chicago’s O’Hare Airport. After 15 months of unsuccessful attempts to seek compensation, Carroll turned his frustration into a song, “#UnitedBreaksGuitars,” and posted it on YouTube. The video instantly went viral, racking up three million views within a week, capturing media attention, and resonating with countless travelers who had their own customer service grievances. The ripple effect on the airline was immediate. Its stock dropped by 10%, a loss that translated to a staggering $180 million in shareholder value, according to an article by the Times of London on July 22, 2009. The “#UnitedBreaksGuitars” incident is powerful reminder that, in the age of social media, customer feedback can ripple across markets and impact brands at an unprecedented scale. But what if companies could turn customer feedback into a driver of growth rather than a source of risk? Join us this November for our #AIWebinarSeries, where we will explore how AI can transform customer feedback into valuable insights, empowering businesses to proactively adapt and grow. Register to be part https://lnkd.in/dUvMDmVs

In partnership with TechCabal Insights, we recently hosted a webinar to dissect Uganda’s #DigitalEconomyOutlookReport, highlighting crucial insights into our digital landscape. The Challenge? Uganda’s digital infrastructure is developing, but with internet penetration at 27% according to DataReportal, millions remain underserved. Limited connectivity, especially in rural areas, requires the need for increased investment in infrastructure and digital literacy programs. Our #DigitalEconomyPractice, aspires to see a connected Uganda where every individual, regardless of location, can access digital resources to participate in the global economy. Panelists emphasized the need for public-private partnerships to drive innovation, expand digital access, and empower our communities. Bridging this digital divide could unlock immense economic opportunities, foster innovation, and transform sectors from #agriculture to #education. As Africa’s digital economy continues to grow, Uganda is well-positioned to be a leader with the right investments and strategies. For more insights on Uganda’s Digital Economy infrastructure watch the #video and to get insights on the #DigitalEconomyOutlookReport for a comprehensive analysis and strategies for navigating Uganda’s digital transformation download the report via: https://lnkd.in/dv4r_FEn Michael Niyitegeka Collin Babirukamu Flavia Eleanor Brenda Amony #DigitalEconomy #DigitalInclusion

Hello Holiday Makers! We are excited to introduce #CodeQuest, a pioneering vacation coding program crafted just for S4 and S6 students! This unique opportunity will empower you to champion digital literacy and equip students with the tech skills they need for the future. With hands-on coding experience and dedicated mentorship, #CodeQuest is focused on shaping tomorrow’s forward-thinking leaders, ready to thrive in a tech-driven world. Don’t miss the chance to build a tech-savvy future for your learners!

Like many industries, the legal field is rapidly evolving with technology that streamlines workflows, enhances collaboration, and boosts productivity. Join us tomorrow for an in-depth webinar, where our partner will reveal how Thread Legal Software’s advanced features in document management, matter handling, and AI assistance are transforming legal operations. Explore how Thread Legal Software’s intelligent document management system provides secure, seamless file access, enabling teams to work more efficiently and reduce time on administrative tasks. Plus, get a glimpse into the future of legal practice with Thread’s AI assistant, designed to support decision-making, offer actionable insights, and enhance the client experience. Register 👉 https://lnkd.in/dc4BPjdE #LegalTechWebinar

The concept of the platform economy may seem new, but it's been transforming industries for over a decade. Its disruptive impact has reshaped sectors from mobile technology, FinTech, hospitality and healthcare. We saw Nokia acquired by Microsoft, Google’s Android OS expand from smartphones to cars and home electronics, and Airbnb’s rise as a formidable global competitor to traditional hotels. And not forgetting our very own Rocket Health. Today’s customers operate with a notch of "digital-first" mindset, seeking real-time, integrated, and personalized experiences. This shift has pushed businesses to evolve their offerings rapidly, requiring business models that can adapt flexibly to customer demands. But what sets these new models apart from traditional approaches? To dive into these questions, through #FutureLab, we recently partnered with Financial Sector Deepening Uganda (FSD Uganda) for a 13-week “#PlatformEconomyMasterclass.” This program explored diverse business models and how organizations can unlock growth by embracing a platform-based strategy. Success in this digital ecosystem requires more than a refined product; it calls for a transformed value proposition that’s open and adaptive. This shift enables businesses to meet the challenges posed by agile new entrants and tech-savvy startups. Adopting a platform approach offers significant benefits: improved client engagement, faster digital transformation, increased revenue, operational cost savings, and diversified income streams. As businesses reshape their strategies to thrive in this digital-first world, those that embrace digital platform thinking will be better equipped to navigate future disruptions and capture emerging opportunities. Find out how Paul Zaake, CEO AgriShare Uganda is harnessing the power of the platform economy to grow his venture.

Designing #EdTech for refugees and displaced people in Africa goes beyond harnessing technology to creating pathways for opportunity, resilience and sustainability. So, how can EdTech designers build a working ecosystem without universalizing these refugee community experiences to achieve the education needs of these underserved communities. Catch here the October episode of the #EdTechMondays show to find out what our experts had to say! Click 👉https://bit.ly/4fusufx to get the full episode. #EdTechLab