A high-level Ugandan delegation, led by South African High Commissioner Paul Amoru, visited MTN South Africa on Friday, December 5, 2025, to establish strategic collaborations focused on leveraging technology and innovation for accelerated continental progress.
The engagement, hosted by MTN South Africa’s General Manager of Enterprise Solutions, Sudipto Moitra, was specifically informed by the successful co-creation of Africa’s first fully connected, digital electric bus, the Kayoola E-Coach, by Kiira Motors Corporation, a Ugandan E-mobility enterprise.
The Ugandan delegation included key representatives from the Science, Technology and Innovation Secretariat in the President’s Office (STI-OP), led by Ms. Carthy Muwumuza, the Superintendent of Support Services, officials from Kiira Motors Corporation, and delegates from MTN Uganda.
Co-Creation and Industry 4.0 Focus
The core of the discussions centered on fostering Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) and expanding the co-creation of innovative solutions across the various bureaus under the STI-OP.
A significant part of the dialogue focused on integrating Industry 4.0 technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence, IoT, and Big Data, into Uganda’s industrial and technological development strategy.
The successful collaboration between MTN Uganda and Kiira Motors Corporation in delivering the Kayoola E-Coach served as a powerful case study.
The electric bus, which recently completed its journey from Uganda to South Africa, demonstrated the tangible results achievable when telecom and technology companies partner with local innovators to build scalable, African-made solutions.
Commitment to Continental Progress
The engagement reaffirmed a shared, continental commitment to developing and scaling innovations that accelerate Africa’s progress. Key takeaways included the need for:
Scalable Innovation: Focusing on solutions that can be replicated and expanded across different national contexts.
Strengthened Ecosystems: Building robust partnerships between government agencies (like STI-OP), industry leaders (like MTN), and local innovators (like Kiira Motors).
Technological Advancement: Utilising integrated digital solutions to drive economic and social transformation, particularly in areas like sustainable mobility and industrial efficiency.
The visit signals a commitment from both South Africa and Uganda, through their private sector and government agencies, to strategically position technology and digital partnerships at the forefront of their efforts to achieve sustainable industrial growth.