Stanbic Ongea Summit Anchors Uganda’s Digital Creators as Economic Pillars
The inaugural Stanbic Ongea Digital Creators Summit 2025, held at the Speke Resort Convention Centre on Thursday, was hailed as a landmark moment in Uganda’s digital transformation, officially positioning the nation’s growing creator community as a vital engine for economic growth and job creation.
Hosted by Stanbic Bank Uganda in collaboration with the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), Ongea Africa, and the Uganda Digital Society (UDS), the event solidified the commitment of the private sector and government to formalising and monetising the creative digital economy.
L-R Stanbic Bank CEO Mumba Kenneth Kalifungwa, UCC ED Hon. Nyombi Thembo, UCC Director, Economic Regulation, Content and Consumer Affairs, plus Stanbic Bank’s Director Mr. Sam Mwogeza
UCC Executive Director Hon. Nyombi Thembo delivering his remarks
Hon. Thembo stressed that creators, who collectively command over 25 million followers across platforms like TikTok and YouTube, are no longer mere “online personalities,” but rather “educators, entertainers, entrepreneurs, and vital contributors to our economy.”
Mr. Joseph Kanyamunyu from Ongea Africa stressing a point about digital creation
Stanbic Bank Uganda Chief Executive, Mr. Mumba Kenneth Kalifungwa, light-heartedly introduced himself as a “part-time content creator”, to emphasise the bank’s belief that the internet is generating new economic opportunities faster than traditional industries.
He stressed that “platforms like TikTok and YouTube are launchpads for young people to turn creativity into careers.”
Stanbic Bank Uganda CEO Mr. Mumba Kenneth Kalifungwa addressing the summit
Mr. Kalifungwa urged participants to view themselves as entrepreneurs building audiences and driving a new economic frontier.
The Global Contrast
Mr. John Ssenkeezi, the President of UDS, noted that despite the global creator economy being valued at over US$52 billion, over 54% of Uganda’s creators currently earn less than US$62 from their content, highlighting the clear and urgent need for a better, more intentional approach to monetisation.
Some of the Ugandan digital creators who attended the Summit
Government and Private Sector Collaboration
Hon. Thembo affirmed the government’s commitment to digital transformation, noting that the summit’s goals align with the National Development Plan IV (NDP IV) and the Digital Uganda Vision (DUV).
He revealed that the UCC has outlined ambitious goals crucial for the creator economy’s foundation, some of which include:
Achieving 100% national network coverage within five years by enhancing last-mile connectivity for the 7.5 million currently unconnected citizens.
Improving digital literacy, cybersecurity, and addressing creator challenges related to monetisation and intellectual property (IP).
Students of Digital Creation at Artfield Institute of Design also attended the summit
He urged creators to consider the Commission as an enabler of responsible creative expression, emphasising that the security and inclusivity of the creator economy requires collaboration among all sectors: government, private sector, academia, civil society, and creators themselves.
Financial Formalisation and Investment
A core message from the Stanbic leadership and industry experts was the necessity of financial formalisation and reinvestment.
Israel Arinaitwe, Head of Personal and Private Banking at Stanbic, said, “It starts with you banking your earnings. Strong financial records open the doors to bigger opportunities.
He also reiterated that Stanbic Bank is willing to offer loans to digital creators who present viable project proposals.
Paul Businge, a Branding and Strategy expert, emphasised the non-negotiable need for creators to reinvest in their skills, tools, and financial future.
Stanbic Bank’s Head of Corporate Communications, Mr. Kenneth Agutamba moderatig a panel with Mr. Paul Businge, Ms. Patricia Kahill and Mr. Israel Arinaitwe
He highlighted investment avenues available through Stanbic Bank and SBG Securities Uganda, such as:
Unit Trusts (like the Money Market), ideal for irregular income due to their flexibility.
He noted that others are Treasury Bills and Bonds, plus Equities.
The message from Businge was clear: “You can’t earn from what you don’t invest in.”
The summit ended with Stanbic Bank announcing that, in collaboration with Red and Yellow Creative School of Business, lucky Ugandan creators who had participated in a raffle would get 50% bursaries to undertake professional courses in digital creation.
Mr. John Ssenkeezi, the President of UDS speaking during a panel at the summit
Mr. Kalifungwa concluded by revealing that the summit is part of the wider Stanbic Women, Youth and Farmers (WYF) agenda, in which the Bank is spending Shs1 trillion to transform and impact the lives of Uganda’s youth, who make up over 75% of Uganda’s population, but are heavily burdened by challenges of unemployment.
By providing paid professional training awards and focusing on affordable data, online safety, and regulatory navigation, the Stanbic Ongea Digital Creators Summit has established itself as the flagship platform for building a sustainable, profitable, and globally influential digital future for Uganda’s youth.
