Uganda has established a vibrant innovation ecosystem and has been ranked as a global hotspot for entrepreneurs. This vibrancy was strongly reflected throughout the launch event. The Investment Guide Uganda Launch organized by the Business Scouts for Development by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH together with StartHub Africa took place on the 19th of August at the Fairway Hotel in Kampala.
‘The aim of the event was to bring the right people together, we wanted to have startups who are raising capital meet investors who are investment ready, to create impact’ – Laura Kübke, Business Scouts for Development Uganda.
Laura Kübke from the Business Scouts for Development Uganda. ©GIZ Participants in the audience at the Investment Guide Uganda Launch. ©GIZ
The event kicked off with a dynamic panel discussion on “How to raise investments” featuring insightful first-hand experiences from two startups that have successfully raised funds for their venture. From the other perspective two investors who have fruitfully invested in Ugandan startups shared their experiences and recommendations. An additional investor presentation highlighted some of the challenges for investors in Uganda and their expectations of local startups.
Local entrepreneurs were given the chance to showcase their innovations. Six enthusiastic and creative startups took the stage as they pitched their ideas to the guests. Ten additional startups exhibited their work during an open networking session.
To mark the official launch of the Investment Guide Uganda, some key findings from the investment guide were presented following an open Q&A session. The launch event culminated with an open networking session accompanied by drinks and snacks.
Ugandan startups have emerged as a prominent type of development actor with the potential to solve sector specific challenges. Finding investment is a key step in the startup journey and many business ventures in Uganda struggle to scale up due to a lack of investment opportunities.
‘We are currently expanding our support for innovation ecosystems at the regional level in Eastern Africa. The Investment Guide Uganda and this launch event is one important steps towards our goals to empower entrepreneurs in Eastern Africa and to bring different innovation players in the region together’ – Daniel Ritter, Head of Make-IT in Africa / East
Investors, entrepreneurs, innovation hubs, government actors and other innovation ecosystem players gather at the Launch of the Uganda Investment Guide. ©GIZ Investors, entrepreneurs, innovation hubs, government actors and other innovation ecosystem players gather at the Launch of the Uganda Investment Guide. ©GIZ Investors, entrepreneurs, innovation hubs, government actors and other innovation ecosystem players gather at the Launch of the Uganda Investment Guide. ©GIZ Investors, entrepreneurs, innovation hubs, government actors and other innovation ecosystem players gather at the Launch of the Uganda Investment Guide. ©GIZ Investors, entrepreneurs, innovation hubs, government actors and other innovation ecosystem players gather at the Launch of the Uganda Investment Guide. ©GIZ
The Investment Guide is a free online resource for all stakeholders to get in-depth information on investor types and trends across Africa, which includes10 country specific guides. Uganda is the 10th country guide to join the list alongside Ethiopia, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda, Nigeria, Namibia, Senegal and Sudan.
The Investment Guide Africa Online platform also features an extensive investor catalogue, where entrepreneurs can filter through potential investors based on the country and sector in which they work as well as the amount of funding required and the startup´s current phase. This gives entrepreneurs searching for investment the unique opportunity to explore which investors are most suitable for their specific needs.
The country guide covers all aspects revolving around investment in Uganda. Amongst many other things, the topics range from current investment trends to the regulatory framework governing investment in Uganda’s digital economy and things to keep in mind when trying to raise funds as a start-up. It is therefore a resource for both entrepreneurs and investors who are looking to invest in Ugandan companies.
The Investment Guide Uganda launch brought together important stakeholders from the Eastern African innovation ecosystem with the hopes to foster fruitful discussion and encourage cooperation and participation in the Ugandan investment scene.
A big ‘Thank you’ to our partners Business Scouts for Development and StarHub Africa for organizing the event and to everyone who joint us!
The Investment Guide Uganda is available online now here - Uganda | Investment Guide Africa
