The Entrepreneurship and Outreach Centre at Makerere University, one of Uganda’s most prestigious institutions, will host two related events on October 31 and November 1, focusing on entrepreneurship as a vehicle for inclusive economic development.
According to Dr Sarah Bimbona, the Director of the Makerere University Entrepreneurship Outreach Centre, they are currently in the advanced stages of preparations for the second Uganda Entrepreneurship Congress, taking place on October 31, 2024, and the 8th Annual Entrepreneurship Students’ Expo on November 1.
Both events, organised under the theme, “Entrepreneurship as a Catalyst for Inclusive Growth,” will gather young entrepreneurs, industry leaders, policymakers, and investors at Makerere University to discuss, learn and collaborate on the strategies to harness the transformative power of entrepreneurship.
Dr Bimbona explains in a statement that while entrepreneurship is a powerful driver of economic development, innovation, and job creation, the full potential of entrepreneurship to serve as a tool for inclusive growth — where the benefits of economic advancement are equitably distributed across all segments of society — remains underexplored.
“The Uganda Entrepreneurship Congress and Students’ Expo provide a unique and timely platform to explore how entrepreneurship can be leveraged to achieve inclusive growth,” she says. “By bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders, this event will contribute to creating a more equitable and sustainable future, driven by innovation, entrepreneurial spirit, and a commitment to social and economic inclusivity.”
The Congress will explore how entrepreneurship can drive inclusive growth, focusing on inclusive innovation, access to finance, entrepreneurship education, policy and regulatory environment, and social entrepreneurship.
Participants expected at the Uganda Entrepreneurship Congress and Students’ Expo include entrepreneurs and start-up founders, investors and venture capitalists, policymakers and government officials, academics and researchers, students and aspiring entrepreneurs, as well as non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and development agencies.
According to Dr Bimbona, the Congress and Expo will feature a rich program of activities designed to provide participants with insights, skills, and networking opportunities. They include keynote sessions, panel discussions, workshops, experiential learning and networking opportunities.
“By the conclusion of the Uganda Entrepreneurship Congress and Students’ Expo, we anticipate achieving an increased understanding among participants of the critical role that entrepreneurship plays in driving inclusive growth [and] practical recommendations and strategies for entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers to promote inclusive business practices and sustainable development,” notes Dr Bimbona.
Other expected outcomes include the formation of new collaborations and partnerships between young entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and other stakeholders committed to inclusive growth and empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs by equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to create impactful and inclusive ventures.
The Makerere University Entrepreneurship and Outreach Centre, under the College of Business and Management Sciences’ Department of Marketing and Management, has been at the forefront of equipping students with entrepreneurial skills and supporting the creation of sustainable business ventures.
“Since its inception in 2017,” notes Dr Bimbona, “the Centre has nurtured more than 8,500 young entrepreneurs, leading to the establishment of approximately 850 innovative businesses. These ventures span various industries, reflecting the Centre’s commitment to fostering a dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem within the university and the broader Ugandan community.”
