An exhibitor at the GITEX Dubai tech show in 2024 explains to an attendant. PHOTO/FILE/HANDOUT
Organizations like Hive Colab have partnered with global agencies, such as the Korea Startup Agency, to showcase Ugandan startups at major tech events like the Gulf Information Technology Exhibition (GITEX) Dubai.
Entrepreneurs who attended GITEX Dubai 2024, including Neexa AI’s Ethan Bampeire, Suzie Water Harvesting Co.’s Frank Akankwasa, and Anchor Machines’ Arthur Abaliwano, shared how the exposure helped them secure business partnerships and refine their innovations. Daily Monitor's Joan Salmon caught up with them and writes...
Despite Uganda’s growing tech ecosystem, its startups remain largely overlooked on the global stage, unlike their counterparts in Kenya and Nigeria, industry leaders say.
"While Uganda has several brilliant innovators, publicity for these people and their businesses is lacking," says Brenda Wangari, Head of Portfolio Success at Madica, an investment program for African pre-seed tech startups.
Wangari, who worked with Uganda’s Founders Lounge and Starthub to connect local entrepreneurs, says the country must do more to integrate into the global innovation ecosystem.
To bridge this gap, organizations like Hive Colab have stepped in. Partnering with the Korea Startup Agency, they have taken Ugandan startups to global events, including GITEX Global in Dubai in October 2024. Some of the entrepreneurs who attended shared their experiences.
AI-powered sales Solutions: Neexa AI
Ethan Bampeire, CEO and co-founder of Neexa AI, developed a platform to automate sales and improve customer engagement.
"Many businesses lack the time or resources for instant 24/7 responses to customer inquiries, which affects sales—the lifeblood of growth," says Bampeire.
While traditional Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software suits B2B companies, he says Neexa AI caters to B2C businesses handling large customer volumes with lower transaction values.
"Our AI-powered sales agent engages prospects, follows up, and closes deals around the clock," he explains.
At GITEX Dubai, Neexa AI secured partnerships, including one with a Dubai-based firm now generating revenue.
"We confirmed that our platform is solving a global problem with no direct competition targeting B2C," says Bampeire.
"This strengthened our resolve to expand beyond Uganda," Bampeire told Monitor during a March interview.
Water Harvesting Innovation: Suzie Water Harvesting Co. Ltd
Frank Akankwasa, CEO of Suzie Water Harvesting Co. Ltd, aims to make clean water more accessible.
Attending GITEX opened doors for him, including networking with investors and government officials.
"We gained insights into new water harvesting trends like condensation technology and AI integration," he says.
The experience led his team to integrate remote monitoring and renewable energy sources into their systems.
"Our systems will now allow real-time tracking of water quality and system performance," Akankwasa explains.
He is also developing a solar-powered cocoa pod peeling and drying machine to address post-harvest losses among Ugandan cocoa farmers.
"We’re seeking partnerships with the government, especially through Hon. Monica Musenero, and exploring AI integration with Altex Software," he adds.
AI for Construction: Anchor Machines
Arthur Abaliwano, CEO of Anchor Machines, specializes in AI-driven solutions for the construction industry.
"GITEX provided an opportunity to network with global decision-makers," he says.
L-R: Suzie Water Harvesting Co. Ltd CEO Frank Akankwasa, Neexa AI CEO Ethan Bampeire and Anchor Machines CEO Arthur Baliwano. PHOTO/COMBO
Abaliwano's company is now working with IoT and SaaS-based solution providers to streamline construction workflows and improve data analysis.
"We gained critical insights into the UAE and Middle East construction tech sector, which is a key market for our expansion," he says.
Step in the right direction
While Uganda’s startups are making progress, experts agree that more needs to be done to boost their global visibility.
"We have talent, but exposure is still lacking," says Wangari.
With international partnerships growing, many hope that Uganda’s innovators will soon take their place on the global stage.
