The rapid advancement of technology is transforming the business landscape, making production, sales, and revenue tracking more efficient than ever.
Emmy Hashakimana, Commercial Director at Uganda Breweries Limited (UBL), highlighted the impact of technology on trade in East Africa, using UBL’s business model as a case study, at the recently concluded Kampala-Kigali Expo.
According to Hashakimana, UBL’s integration of technology has enabled the company to meet evolving consumer demands, achieve targets, and realize returns on investment.
“By embracing innovation and technology, Uganda Breweries is enhancing its operations and contributing to a sustainable, inclusive, and competitive trade environment in East Africa,” he emphasized.
UBL’s technology-driven approach has yielded impressive results:
Carbon Emissions Reduction
UBL’s biomass plant has reduced carbon emissions by over 92%, lowering production costs and making products more competitive regionally.
Efficient Distribution
According to Hashakimana, the Diageo One App optimizes distribution, tracking inventory and delivery routes across the country, with plans to extend this efficiency to regional cross-border trade.
Supporting Local Farmers
He noted that UBL’s campaign to support local farmers has benefited over 10,000 farmers, providing them with threshers and technology like the Koltiva App, which helps trace crops and improves farming operations, which in turn makes them earn more income than before.
Regional Expansion
Hashakimana noted that UBL’s success has paved the way for regional expansion. He revealed that the company intends to extend its market across East Africa, driving innovation through mobile money and digital banking, which have streamlined payments and cross-border transactions.
He explained that is because UBL is committed to advocating for inclusive trade policies, working with policymakers to promote fair competition, and supporting SMEs to build a more inclusive business environment across the region.
As UBL continues to leverage technology to drive growth and sustainability, its success story serves as a model for businesses in East Africa and beyond, which all entrepreneurs ought to embrace.