Buy Ticket

AGENDA

On First Day

09:00 AM – 10:20 AM OFFICIAL OPENING CEREMONY

Moses Watasa

Leadership, Policy & Systems Change

  • Welcome Remarks: Innocent Kawooya, NIM, CEO, HiPipo
  • Welcome Keynote: Mr. James Chimwaza, Board President, COMESA Business Council
  • Patron: Owek. Joyce Nabosa Sebugwawo, State Minister of ICT
  • Guest of Honour: Hon. Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, Minister of ICT and National Guidance
  • Keynote Address: The Chief Guest, H.E. The President of Uganda

10:20 AM – 11:00 AM

Launch of the Uganda–California Technology Forum:

Leveraging Silicon Valley’s technological expertise and proven infrastructure to accelerate Uganda’s startup growth and public sector transformation.

  • Peter Kuo, CEO & Founder, Sustainable Impact Alliance Solutions (SIAS) International, Inc (SIAS)
  • Joshua Samuel, Founder & CEO of Coins for College
  • Pastor. Dr. Henry Byamukama, CEO, SIAS Uganda

11:00 AM – 11:40 AM PANEL 1

Islamic Finance as a Driver for Inclusive Financial Digital Transformation & Innovation

Moderator: Nadia Nanteza Malker CEO, Lyfex Africa Co-Founder, ITII Panelists:

  1. Mutebi Alawi CEO, Eurosat Group Founder, ITII
  2. Dr. Abdulhafiz Walusimbi Shariah Scholar; Chairman, Insurance Training College
  3. Sophia Kigozi Partner, MESA Advocates
  4. Dr. Kasule Twaha Ahmed- Director, IUIU Kampala
  5. Dr. Mutagubya Ashraf – Islamic Commercial Shariah Expert, Islamic Finance Hub

11:40 AM – 12:00 PM SPEECH

Prof. Dr. Roman Anton Inderst

SPEECH

A European Perspective on Unlocking the Digital Economy Potential of the Middle East and Africa Region Prof. Roman Anton Inderst - Professor of Finance and Economics at Goethe University Frankfurt, Germany.

12:00 PM – 12:10 PM

SPEECH

Online Stock and Forex Trading in an evolving Middle East and Africa Region Speaker: Daniel Ahikyirize, CEO Forex Bulls Academy

12:10 PM – 12:15 PM Video break

IFC, GFTN – Global Financial Technology Network, 4 Minutes

12:15 PM – 12:30 PM

Investment Paper

COMESA’s Leadership in Accelerating Uganda’s Digital Transformation by Bridging Gaps in Digital Public Goods and Infrastructure Investment.

12:30 PM – 01:10 PM PANEL 2

SMART AGRICULTURE & CLIMATE INNOVATION: BUILDING RESILIENT ECOSYSTEMS FOR FOOD, HEALTH & EDUCATION

Moderator: Tonny Miiro, CEO and Founder, Nonda Commodities (Nonda Coffee) Panelists:

  1. Prof. Lawrence Mugisha, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB)
  2. Stella Lugalambi, Co-founder & MD, Hamwe East Africa Limited
  3. Fiona Migadde, Founder & Executive Chair, Matugga Industries and Logistics Hub Ltd
  4. Paul Zaake - Co-Founder and Managing Director, AgriShare Uganda
  5. Augustine Kisitu, Technology Expert and Farmer, Founder and Chairman, Royal Digital Rings. Founder of Kibuga Online Shop.

01:10 PM – 02:00 PM PANEL 3

FINANCIAL INCLUSION FOR UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES. (SPEAKING AUTOMATION, DPG, DPI)

Moderator: Edward Kataaha, Managing Director at Vertex, FinTech and Financial Services Consultant. Panelists:

  1. Alice Sharon Namugerwa (B.A, M.Sc M.A), CEO, Belle Beauty
  2. Richard Yego, Managing Director & CEO at MTN Mobile Money Uganda
  1. Teddy Soobramanien, CEO, COMESA Business Council (CBC)
  2. Joseph Kimbowa, Chief Content Officer, HiPipo
  3. Peter Kuo, CEO & Founder, Sustainable Impact Alliance Solutions (SIAS) International, Inc (SIAS)
  4. Joshua Samuel, Founder & CEO of Coins for College

On Second Day

08:30 AM – 08:40 AM Welcome Address

Mr. Teddy Soobramanien

INNOVATION, INVESTMENT & SECTORAL IMPACT

Teddy Soobramanien, CEO, COMESA Business Council.

08:40 AM – 09:00 AM SPEECH

Matteo Rizzi

SCALING FINANCIAL INCLUSION ACROSS THE MEA REGION

  • Intro and short bio, “live”
  • 4B are still financially excluded. It s the big last mile, what are the drivers to tackle this?
  • investing versus venture building versus accelerating: what works best? What is the best approach for frontier markets in Africa?
  • On the continent, there are several velocities when it comes to pushing for innovation and inclusive financial services … what is your experience (since you worked in 17+ different ecosystems in Africa alone?)
  • You are taking a very bold approach in the Talent space with your Timepledge initiative. Are we doing enough to retain and upskill talent in Africa?
  • GFTN approach to help regulators collaborate and better connect with the innovators and the platforms across the continent.

09:00 AM – 09:20 AM

Henry Lutwama

SPEECH AND PRODUCT DEMO: SOLAR M7

SOLAR M7 Spearheading affordable solar energy solutions for rural communities across COMESA. Henry Lutwama, CEO and Co-Founder, Solar M7

09:20 AM – 10:00 AM PANEL 4

REIMAGINING HEALTH THROUGH DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

Moderator: Nicholas Kalungi, Chief Operations Officer, HiPipo Panelists:

  1. Bridget Nakakuyu Wamai, CEO, My Doctor
  2. Chrispinus Onyancha, CEO, ClinicPesa
  3. Niklas Inderst, CTO, HealthTech Startup, My Doctor
  4. Rhoda Wanyenze, MBChB, MPH, PhD, Professor and Dean of Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH).
  5. Joy Mwesigwa, President, My Doctor Community
  6. Michael Grace Kawooya, Director at the Ernest Cook Ultrasound Research and Education Institute (ECUREI).

10:00 AM – 10:20 AM SPEECH

Dr Kimmo Soramäki

CONSUMER PROTECTION AGAINST FRAUD AND SCAMS, VIEWED THROUGH THE LENS OF FINANCIAL INCLUSION.

Dr. Kimmo Soramäki, Founder and CEO, FNA

10:20 AM – 10:40 AM SPEECH

CONSUMER PROTECTION AGAINST FRAUD AND SCAMS, VIEWED THROUGH THE LENS OF FINANCIAL INCLUSION

Empowering a Digitally Connected MEA Region: Privacy, Trust, and Policy Innovation for Inclusive Growth Speaker: Ololade Olakitan Shyllon, Director of Privacy Policy Engagements, Africa, Middle East, and Turkey at Meta (Facebook) Supporters:

  • Mercy Ndegwa, Director of Public Policy, East and Horn of Africa
  • Sarah Muyonga, Public Policy Manager, East and Horn of Africa

10:40 – 11:40 AM HiPipo University Graduation

The Inaugural Healthcare Entrepreneurship Class 2025

Spearheaded by the Chancellor, Owek. Hon. Joyce Nabosa Sebugwawo

  • Presentation of the Top Two Entrepreneurship Models
  • Speech by Students’ Leader – Dr. Joy Mwesigwa, My Doctor Community President

11:40 AM – 12:20 AM PANEL 5

THE FUTURE OF LEARNING IS DIGITAL

Moderator: Andy Mugerwa, Founder, MyLib Panelists:

  1. Matteo Rizzi, Founder & CEO of Timepledge.org
  2. Dr. Lawrence Muganga, Vice Chancellor of Victoria University
  1. Drake Patrick Mirembe, PhD, a Cybersecurity and ICT4D Specialist. CTO at Eight Tech Consults Ltd and a Lecturer at Makerere University
  2. Leticia Nakitende, Chief Operations Officer at Women In Technology Uganda (WITU)
  3. Stephanie Chen, Founder of CloudUX.ai, Faith Life World LLC & Breakthrough Warriors Inc.
  4. Devine Frances Asalo - Job Placement Lead, Women in Technology Uganda (WITU)

12:20 PM – 01:20 PM PANEL 6

Moses Watasa

DIGITAL TRADE AND CROSS-BORDER INTEGRATION

Moderator: Moses Watasa, Commissioner for Communication and Information Dissemination at the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance Panelists:

  1. Mr William Matambo, Deputy Governor-Operations, Reserve Bank of Malawi
  2. Dr. Jonathan Pinifolo, Chief Operating Officer, COMESA Business Council, DFI
  3. Yvonne Mpanga, Founder and CEO, Business Trends
  4. Bernard Kabanda, Vice President of Sales, Webb Fontaine Group
  5. Aggie Patricia Turwomwe, Communication Strategist and Founder, Agile Media Africa.
  6. Ms. Wezi Salima, Team Lead – Muuni Fund.

On Third Day

09:00 AM – 02:00 PM

AFRICA YOUTH INNOVATION CHALLENGE AND AWARDS

  1. A full day dedicated to showcasing the creativity, resilience, and impact of Africa’s youth innovators.
  2. Featuring top student-led innovations tackling health, education, climate, and digital inclusion.
  3. HiPipo University will present its flagship Healthcare Entrepreneurship Course, training youth to build sustainable health-tech startups.
  4. Students and youth-led ventures from Makerere University, Kyambogo University, and Uganda Christian University will present.
  5. Delegations from Strathmore University (Kenya), the University of Zambia, and the University of Rwanda are confirmed.
  6. Youth teams from Cairo University (Egypt) and the University of Malawi will join to share cross-regional solutions.
  7. COMESA’s Youth & Women Empowerment Programmes will host a mentorship session with industry leaders.
  8. Innovation booths will feature digital solutions in agriculture, finance, and health, led by university innovators.
  9. Finalists will pitch in front of investors, policymakers, and development partners for seed funding and acceleration support.
  10. The day will close with the Africa Youth Innovation Awards, recognizing outstanding projects across multiple sectors.

2:00 PM On wards

Innocent Kawooya (NIM)

Performances from Cultural troupes

Location: Serena Conference Hall, Kampala

  • Performances from Cultural troupes
  • Cultural Showcase & Networking

MEA SUMMIT YOUTH ARM PROGRAM 2025

On First Day

09:30 AM – 10:30 AM Opening Session

Youth-Led Innovation for Socio-Economic Transformation

OPENING SESSION

  • Welcome Remarks: HiPipo Youth Programs Lead
  • Keynote Address: Vice Chancellor, ................. University
  • Opening Message: African Union Youth Envoy Representative, Med Kimbugwe

11:00 AM – 12:30 PM Panel 1

From Campus to Global Impact – University Startups Leading Change

Moderator: Director, Innovation & Incubation Centre, Kyambogo, UCU, ......University Panelists:

  1. Student Founder, FinTech Startup – University of Nairobi
  2. Head of ICT Department, Covenant University, Nigeria
  3. Youth Entrepreneur, Blockchain Project – University of Ghana
  4. Innovation Lab Lead, University of Rwanda
  5. Incubation Program Coordinator, Ain Shams University, Egypt

02:00 PM – 03:30 PM Panel 2

Youth in Digital Health, Education & Agricultur

Moderator: Dean of ICT, University of Pretoria Panelists:

  1. Student Researcher, eHealth Innovation – University of Khartoum
  2. AgriTech App Developer – Makerere University
  3. EdTech Fellow – University of Johannesburg
  4. Digital Agriculture Scholar – Egerton University
  5. HealthTech Innovator – University of Zambia

04:00 PM – 05:30 PM Roundtable Dialogues

Roundtable Dialogues: Enabling Youth-Led Digital Transformation

Participants: University Student Leaders, ICT Lecturers, and Student Startup Founders Facilitated Discussions:

  • Policy Reforms Needed to Support Student Innovation
  • Financing Mechanisms for Campus Startups
  • Building Regional University Innovation Networks

On Second Day

09:30 AM – 11:00 AM Panel 3

Collaboration, Leadership & Future-Readiness

DIGITAL SKILLS AND THE FUTURE OF WORK FOR YOUTH Moderator: Head of Career Development Services, University of Dar es Salaam Panelists:

  1. AI & Data Science Club Lead, University of Lagos
  2. Director, eLearning Centre, Addis Ababa University
  3. IT Career Mentor, Kenyatta University
  4. Dean of Digital Skills Development, Cairo University
  5. Student Leader, Robotics and Innovation Hub, University of Zimbabwe

11:30 AM – 01:30 PM PITCH

Youth Innovation Pitch Competition: Digital Impact Challenge

YOUTH INNOVATION PITCH COMPETITION: DIGITAL IMPACT CHALLENGE

  • 10 Finalist Teams from MEA Universities pitch to panel of judges
  • Judging Panel includes university VCs, investors, and industry experts
  • Winning team receives mentorship, prize package, and recognition during Gala Night

03:00 PM – 04:00 PM Closure

Closing Session: Youth Declaration & Commitment To Digital Development

CLOSING SESSION: YOUTH DECLARATION & COMMITMENT TO DIGITAL DEVELOPMENT

  • Summary of Resolutions
  • Presentation of the "MEA Youth Digital Commitment" to Summit Leaders
  • Remarks by University Vice-Chancellors Forum Chair
  • Closing by HiPipo Youth Programs Lead and COMESA Business Council

07:00 PM Onward Evening

Evening: Grand Music Gala & Youth Recognition Awards (Joint With Main Summit)

EVENING: GRAND MUSIC GALA & YOUTH RECOGNITION AWARDS (JOINT WITH MAIN SUMMIT) Venue: Serena Gardens, Kampala

  • Live Performances from MEA Artists
  • Recognition of Top Student Startups
  • Cultural Showcase & Networking

HURRY UP! Book your Seat

Buy Ticket

SUBSCRIBE TO NEWSLETTER

Want Something Extra?

    SUBSCRIBE TO NEWSLETTER

    Want Something Extra?