Uganda’s creative economy presents an untapped resource for job creation and economic empowerment, particularly for youth and women, according to Nwanne Vwede-Obahor, the new United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative to Uganda.
She made the remarks on Thursday during the commemoration of World Creativity and Innovation Day 2024 at Golf Course Hotel, Kampala.
“The creative industry is one of the most rapidly growing sectors of the world economy and has become an essential catalyst for income generation, green job creation, social progress and economic growth,” she noted.
“I urge you to have the courage to believe in your own ability, dare to develop your potential, start a business and trust in the power of co-creation. Let us harness the power of human imagination to build a better world for ourselves and for future generations.”
On his part, Hon. Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, the Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs, urged UNDP to involve youth in its programmes and support their initiatives so that they can create jobs and develop the country.
“It always gives me great pleasure to engage young people, innovators, creatives and entrepreneurs. In Uganda, we have talented young people who can shine, and who can make it. We need to support them together,” he said.
Stephen Asiimwe, Executive Director of Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU), cited a lot of potential out there, saying that PSFU commits to providing resources and time to support the creative and innovations industry so as to explore the untapped Ugandan potential.
“We are looking at the younger generation. PSFU is going to add more energy and resources within the space for creatives because this is where the future of these young people is,” he noted.
According to UNDP, Uganda’s creative sector is vibrant but still faced with the challenge of financing.
“There is a need to integrate creative industries into National Development plans. A vibrant creative economy creates for us a sustainable future where everybody can exist equally,” said Sheila Ngatia, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative.
She added: “It is great seeing Uganda’s young creatives & innovators benefit from Inspiring and practical talks by mentors on digital tech, business skilling, collaboration, and Intellectual Property. This is an example of a game changer for the future of youth.”
The event also included Business Clinics which stimulated powerful conversations on business development, utilizing technology, multi-sector collaboration, intellectual property, and ultimately the transformational potential of creativity and innovation
David Gonahasa, Tripesa’s Managing Director, led a conversation on utilizing digital technologies to accelerate business growth for small and medium-sized enterprises.
Paula Mugisa, Teesa Founder, led a conversation on multi-sector collaboration, salesmanship, and valuing creativity in business.
Abraham Onyait, Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB), led a conversation on branding, patents, intellectual property and sustainability.
