Solutech pushes Uganda on tech reforms
Solutech, a Nairobi-based technology firm, is urging the Ugandan government to implement stronger policy incentives to accelerate the growth of the country’s digital automation sector. CEO Alexander Odhiambo urged officials to offer targeted investment incentives that encourage businesses to adopt automation and analytics tools, which he said would boost productivity and regional competitiveness.
Odhiambo also emphasized the importance of robust data protection and privacy laws in establishing trust in digital platforms. He warned that without clear legal safeguards, fears of data breaches could slow adoption. Solutech, which serves more than 80 companies across East Africa, is expanding its operations in Uganda through its SAT platform, which supports data-driven decision-making and includes employee training to ensure automation enhances, rather than replaces, human roles.
Uganda has already laid the groundwork for digital growth through its National ICT Policy and the Digital Transformation Roadmap, as well as infrastructure such as the National Backbone Infrastructure, which has significantly reduced internet costs from over $1,200 per Mbps monthly in 2010 to approximately $70 today. However, experts say gaps remain in data quality, cross-border data regulations, and financing for large ICT projects. Solutech argues that closing these gaps will unlock innovation in fintech, agritech, and e-health, positioning Uganda as a regional leader in digital transformation.
