Reflections from the "Bridging Gaps: Building a Resilient Startup Ecosystem” Event
As the curtain fell on the highly anticipated "Bridging Gaps: Building a Resilient Startup Ecosystem" event, participants left with more than just notes and takeaways, they left with a renewed sense of purpose and action. The day was filled with rich discussions, shared experiences, and transformative insights, all geared toward strengthening Uganda's startup ecosystem for the future.
The spotlight was on the inspiring stories of entrepreneurs who have been propelled by the Youth Startup Academy Uganda (#YSAU) program. Sandra Awilli, the visionary behind ShareCARD, captivated the audience with her powerful message on the importance of self-awareness in entrepreneurship. Her journey, bolstered by #YSAU's mentorship has empowered her to scale new heights in her business. Brian David, founder of Bringo Fresh, shared how his trip to Dubai, funded by #YSAU, opened doors to invaluable investor connections that have significantly boosted his startup. These stories exemplified the kind of transformation that is possible when startups receive the right mentorship and resources.
But the event wasn't just about celebrating success, it was about creating a roadmap for the future. A diverse panel of industry experts delved into the pressing issues facing Uganda’s startup ecosystem, from the critical funding disconnect to strategies for fostering meaningful partnerships. Through engaging discussions, they explored actionable solutions for aligning funding with the true needs of startups and emphasized the power of collaboration to overcome barriers.
As the day drew to a close, Rita Ngenzi, the ITC National Coordinator of the Youth Startup Academy Uganda Project, delivered a powerful message of gratitude, recognizing the tireless efforts of all partners, Hive Colab, NITA Uganda, International Trade Centre (ITC), and the Korea SMEs and Startups Agency (KOSME), Ministry of SMEs and Startups of the Republic of Korea whose support made this event a resounding success. Rita expressed her unwavering belief that this is only the beginning of a sustained commitment to uplifting Uganda’s entrepreneurial landscape, and these efforts must continue to be repeated for lasting change.
The day was a reminder that the path to building a resilient startup ecosystem is not a solo journey, it is one that requires collaboration, innovation, and resilience. As we move forward, the conversations sparked at this event will fuel a collective push towards making Uganda a global hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.