Hollywood actor and entrepreneur Will Smith emphasized that businesses should be rooted in service and personal values. PHOTO/GLORIA HAGUMA
Artificial Intelligence (AI)’s impact on the world is currently undeniable, shaping workplaces, businesses, and technology at large. This was the key topic of discussion at the recently concluded Web Summit Qatar 2025, in Doha. Held at the Doha Exhibition & Convention Center in February, the summit was a dynamic showcase of innovation, entrepreneurship, and cutting-edge technology.
With over 723 investors, 1,520 startups, and major industry players like Amazon, Microsoft, Meta, TikTok, and Huawei, the event reinforced its status as one of the region’s premier tech conferences. Featuring 381 speakers across six stages, it provided valuable insights into the ever-evolving global tech and investment landscape.
Qatar’s rise as a global tech hub
While delivering opening remarks, Web Summit founder and chief executive officer Paddy Cosgrave highlighted Qatar’s growing influence in the global startup ecosystem. He noted the significant turnout of more than 25,000 attendees from more than 120 countries, calling it a testament to Qatar’s commitment to fostering innovation.
“Qatar has rapidly ascended as a major player in the startup space,” Cosgrave said. “It now holds the 11th position globally in startup ecosystem rankings, the highest for any country in the top 100. That is proof that the region is becoming a leading hub for technology and entrepreneurship,” Cosgrave said.
Web Summit founder and chief executive officer Paddy Cosgrave speaks during the Web Summit Qatar 2025, in Doha. PHOTO/GLORIA HAGUMA
Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, the Prime Minister of Qatar, reinforced the government’s dedication to supporting innovation.
“Qatar is investing in the future by creating an ecosystem where startups and investors can thrive,” he stated. “Our ambition is to position Doha as a key center for technological advancements, not just in the region, but globally.”
Women-led start ups
One of the standout themes of this year’s summit was the remarkable increase in women-founded startups. An impressive 47.7 percent of exhibiting startups were founded by women, significantly higher than in previous years. This shift reflects a global movement toward inclusivity in entrepreneurship, setting a strong precedent for Uganda’s emerging startup ecosystem.
Encouraging female entrepreneurship through targeted funding programmes and mentorship initiatives could help Uganda achieve similar success. Establishing incubators specifically for women-led startups and increasing access to venture capital for female entrepreneurs are key steps Uganda can take to bridge the gap.
AI and emerging technologies
Artificial Intelligence (AI) was the undisputed focal point of discussions, with generative AI emerging as the most talked-about technology. From predictive analytics to automation, AI’s growing influence was evident across all panels and exhibitions. One particularly compelling session featured AI expert Alexandr Wang (founder and chief executive of Scale AI) who debated the AI race between China and the U.S.
When asked who would dominate AI in the coming years during his panel discussion, only two attendees in an audience of more than 1,500 raised their hands in favour of the U.S.A, a stark reflection of the global perception of China’s accelerating AI dominance.
For Ugandan startups, this trend highlights the necessity of integrating AI into business models. Whether through AI-driven customer service, automation, or data analytics, leveraging these technologies can provide a competitive advantage both locally and internationally.
AI can automate mundane, repetitive tasks such as data entry, customer support (via chatbots), and email management. This saves time, reduces errors, and allows teams to focus on more critical work.
A major highlight of the summit was Hollywood actor and entrepreneur Will Smith, whose keynote and presence at the summit captivated attendees.
Solve problems
In a conversation with best-selling author Jay Shetty, Smith shared insights on business, personal growth, and the importance of aligning work with core values.
“Fear is inevitable when starting something new,” Smith said. “But fear is also a sign that you’re doing something worthwhile. Embracing the unknown and staying open to learning are crucial steps toward success,” Smith said.
Smith emphasized that businesses should be rooted in service and personal values.
“If your business is only about money, it won’t fulfill you in the long run. The most successful entrepreneurs build businesses that solve real problems and serve people,” he noted.
Over 148 companies attending Web Summit Qatar had collectively raised nearly $30 billion in the past 12 months. Qatar itself has seen a significant rise in local startups, with 228 Qatari companies showcasing their innovations, more than double last year’s 100.
For Ugandan startups, attending events like Web Summit provides exposure to investors and increases the likelihood of securing funding. Presenting compelling business cases and leveraging networking opportunities can be game-changers for entrepreneurs looking to scale globally.
Web Summit Qatar 2025 reinforced the importance of innovation, networking, and investment in shaping the future of startups. For Ugandan entrepreneurs, the key takeaway is clear: global platforms provide unparalleled growth opportunities.
By participating in such events, embracing emerging technologies, and leveraging international partnerships, Uganda’s startup ecosystem can position itself as a formidable player on the global stage.
