Uganda Visit Recap (23-Sept - 03-Oct)
Strategic Engagements in Uganda
From 23rd September to 3rd October 2024, I embarked on a pivotal journey to Uganda with my colleague, Abhinav Priyadarshi, Pontem’s Managing Director – Digital. This trip marked an exciting opportunity for Pontem Analytics to position itself strategically within Uganda’s growing industrial and mineral sectors. Our focus was on two major events: the Regional Industrialization Conference and the Mineral Wealth Conference. These engagements not only helped reinforce Pontem’s presence in the region but also opened doors to new collaborations and innovation opportunities across Uganda’s energy and mining landscapes.
Regional Industrialization Conference 2024: Innovation and Job Creation for Growth
The Regional Industrialization Conference (24th – 25th September), held at the Next Media Park in Kampala, was centered around the theme: Building an Industrial Landscape Focused on Innovation, Technology, and Job Creation for Economic Growth and Environmental Conservation. Organized by INUMA Solutions, with support from the Uganda Chambers of Mines and Petroleum, the event brought together policymakers, industry leaders, and experts to explore strategies for East Africa’s industrialization.
I was fortunate to be part of this stimulating event, where three thought-provoking panel sessions stood out:
Comparative and Competitive Advantage of the EAC
Moderated by Mr. Angelo Izama, Board Member of the Uganda Investment Authority, this session featured experts from agriculture, steel manufacturing, and marine transportation. We examined the East African Community’s (EAC) potential for industrial growth, particularly after Uganda decided to ban iron ore exports to promote local manufacturing and value addition. Mr. Humphrey Mutaasa, Chief Technical Adviser for The Grain Council of Uganda, issued a powerful call for Ugandan industries to embrace digitalization to stay competitive in global markets—a message that resonated deeply with me.
Energy in Industrialization
Moderated by Mr. Humphrey Asiimwe, CEO of the Uganda Chamber of Mines and Petroleum, this panel stressed the importance of energy as the backbone of industrialization. The discussion centered on how reliable and affordable energy from various sources—fossil fuels, hydro, solar, and wind—is critical to driving industrial growth. The panelists all agreed that improving energy access in Uganda would unlock tremendous potential for job creation and economic transformation.
Circular Economy & ESG
Aggrey Ashaba, Chairman of the Uganda Chamber of Mines & Petroleum, led this panel, focusing on the circular economy, climate change, and job creation in green industries. The conversation highlighted the urgent need for African industries to adopt sustainable practices, minimize waste, and prioritize environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles for long-term success. These were key takeaways for me as we look to incorporate ESG into Pontem’s offerings in Uganda.
Tackling Energy Poverty as a Catalyst for Industrialization and Socio-economic Growth: My Keynote Speech Recap
Delivering the keynote address at the Regional Industrialization Conference 2024 was both an honor and a responsibility. The theme of my speech, Tackling Energy Poverty as a Catalyst for Industrialization and Socio-economic Growth in Africa, provided an opportunity to address a critical challenge facing not just Uganda, but the entire African continent—energy poverty. This issue, in many ways, remains one of the biggest obstacles to the region's industrial and economic advancement. Through my keynote, I aimed to highlight not only the magnitude of the problem but also actionable solutions that could lead to meaningful change.
The Context: Energy Poverty as a Crisis - In opening my address, I focused on the concept of energy poverty and the wide-ranging impact it has on African economies. Energy poverty refers to the lack of access to reliable, affordable, and modern energy services. In Africa, this issue is especially prevalent. Around 600 million people still lack access to electricity, and many more rely on inefficient and polluting energy sources like wood and kerosene.
I began by outlining how this energy shortfall severely hampers industrial growth across the continent. Without a consistent and scalable energy supply, industries cannot operate efficiently, infrastructure remains underdeveloped, and economies struggle to modernize. “Energy poverty,” I stated, “is not just an energy crisis. It’s an economic crisis, a social crisis, and a humanitarian crisis.”
Uganda’s Energy Landscape and Opportunities - Next, I took a deep dive into Uganda’s energy landscape, a focal point of my address, using it as a case study to frame the broader African energy issue. Uganda, like many African nations, is poised at a critical juncture in its energy development. Recent discoveries of fossil fuels, particularly oil, in the Lake Albert region, have positioned Uganda to become a key player in Africa’s energy market. Projects like TotalEnergies' Tilenga Development, CNOOC’s Kingfisher Project, and the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) are set to transform Uganda’s energy outlook.
While these developments are promising, I emphasized that they must be approached with a balanced, long-term strategy. Uganda’s energy future must incorporate both fossil fuels and renewables. Fossil fuels are still the cornerstone of industrialization for most developing nations, but the shift towards renewable energy—solar, wind, and hydro—cannot be neglected if Uganda and Africa at large are to align with global sustainability targets.
“Uganda,” I noted, “has the unique opportunity to build a diversified energy portfolio, one that includes its newfound oil wealth but also integrates renewables to ensure a resilient, future-proof energy mix.”
The Role of Energy in Industrialization - One of the key messages I sought to convey was the pivotal role energy plays in industrialization and, by extension, in job creation, poverty alleviation, and economic growth. The correlation between access to affordable energy and industrial productivity is clear. Nations with reliable energy infrastructures tend to develop faster, create more jobs, and attract higher levels of investment. Without energy, none of the other components required for industrialization—transportation, manufacturing, technology—can thrive.
Drawing from examples across the globe, I illustrated how countries, which have made significant strides in energy capacity, have seen corresponding gains in their industrial output. Uganda, with its growing oil reserves and potential for renewables, is well-positioned to follow suit—provided the right investments are made, and infrastructure is developed in tandem.
“Industrialization,” I argued, “is the engine of economic growth, and energy is the fuel that powers that engine.”
Bridging the Energy Access Gap with Digitalization - A major theme in my keynote was digitalization—an area where Pontem Analytics has significant expertise. I introduced the concept of leveraging digital tools to address energy inefficiencies and improve access. Specifically, I discussed how data analytics, automation, and real-time monitoring could help optimize energy use in industries, ensure the reliability of supply, and reduce losses, particularly in rural and hard-to-reach areas.
Digitalization, I emphasized, is not just about modernizing operations; it’s about making energy distribution more efficient and accessible, which can, in turn, boost productivity across various sectors. “Africa’s path forward,” I noted, “is not just industrialization but digital industrialization, where energy efficiency is powered by data.”
A Balanced Energy Mix: Fossil Fuels and Renewables - While I acknowledged the necessity of fossil fuels in the short term for powering Uganda’s industrial growth, I made it clear that Africa must also invest in renewable energy sources. Renewables offer a sustainable path forward, and they are crucial for the long-term health of the environment. Solar and wind power, in particular, hold immense potential for Africa, given its abundant natural resources.
I emphasized the need for a balanced energy mix, arguing that Africa’s energy strategy should not rely on one source alone. Instead, nations like Uganda should look to harness both traditional and alternative energy sources, leveraging oil and gas to drive immediate industrial gains while investing in renewables for a sustainable future. This dual approach, I suggested, could also help reduce Africa’s carbon footprint and align the continent with global sustainability goals.
“We must embrace a dual-pronged energy strategy,” I argued, “that leverages our fossil fuel resources to drive immediate industrialization while investing heavily in renewables for the future.”
ESG and Sustainable Industrialization - Finally, I touched on the importance of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles in guiding Africa’s industrial and energy future. In an era where sustainability and emissions monitoring are becoming critical global concerns, African countries need to adopt technologies and frameworks that help reduce environmental impact.
I stressed that companies and governments must be proactive in their approach to emissions tracking and carbon reduction, especially as global investors increasingly favor projects that align with ESG standards. This is an area where digital solutions can make a significant impact by providing real-time data on emissions, helping companies mitigate their environmental footprint, and meet international standards.
“Sustainability is not just a buzzword,” I concluded. “It is the foundation upon which Africa’s future industrial growth must be built.”
A Call to Action - I closed my keynote by issuing a call to action. Uganda, and Africa at large, stands at a crucial crossroads. The decisions made today about energy development, digitalization, and sustainability will determine the continent’s industrial and economic future. I urged policymakers, industry leaders, and investors to prioritize energy access, embrace digital transformation, and commit to sustainable practices.
“The time to act is now,” I stated. “By tackling energy poverty, we can ignite a wave of industrialization that will transform Africa’s economic landscape and secure a prosperous future for generations to come.”
This keynote was more than a speech—it was a platform to challenge the status quo and push for a future where energy access drives industrialization and economic growth across Africa.
Media Engagement and Networking
Following the conference, I engaged with key stakeholders from the Uganda Chambers of Mines and Petroleum and participated in several networking sessions. A highlight of the trip was my invitation to speak on Capital FM’s Desert Island Discs, a widely popular radio program that broadcasts across East Africa.
The interview, which will air soon, gave me the chance to share Pontem Analytics’ mission in Uganda and our plans to support the country’s industrial and digital transformation. This was a great opportunity to introduce Pontem to a larger audience across the region.
Mineral Wealth Conference 2024: Maximizing Uganda’s Mineral Potential
The Mineral Wealth Conference (1st – 2nd October), held at the Serena Hotel Kampala and organized by the Uganda Chambers of Mines and Petroleum along with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, was another pivotal event during our trip. Officially opened by Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda, the conference focused on unlocking Uganda’s rich mineral potential to drive socio-economic growth.
Uganda is home to significant mineral reserves such as graphite, gold, copper, and rare earth elements. With these resources, Uganda is positioning itself as a major player in the global supply of critical minerals, particularly for battery technologies and electric vehicles (EVs). The government and private sector are working hand-in-hand to create an environment conducive to maximizing the value of these minerals, ensuring that Uganda capitalizes on the global transition to green technologies.
Key panels that I found particularly insightful included:
Maximizing Africa’s Mineral Wealth
Moderated by Mr. Nicholas Ecimu, Partner at S & L Advocates, this session featured industry leaders such as Mr. Nabil Alam, Country Director of Blencowe Resources, and Mr. Mehdi Ali, Managing Partner at Woodcross Capital. The discussion focused on strategies for maximizing Africa’s mineral wealth, with Mr. Alam offering valuable insights into how Blencowe Resources is navigating Uganda’s rapidly growing graphite industry. The conversation also emphasized the role of the government in fostering a favorable environment for investment and mineral resource management.
The 4th Industrial Revolution Roundtable: The Role of Technology in Driving Mineral Value Addition
This session, chaired by Donald Waigumbulizi from TotalEnergies, explored how technology can optimize mineral extraction and processing.My colleague, Abhinav Priyadarshi, shared Pontem’s perspective on digital solutions in mining, highlighting how data analytics, automation, and real-time monitoring can significantly boost efficiency and sustainability in the sector. For more details refer to the publication below.
Building Strategic Relationships for the Future
Our trip to Uganda also allowed us to deepen our relationships with various stakeholders in the country’s industrial and mineral sectors. I am particularly grateful to the Uganda Chambers of Mines and Petroleum for their ongoing support and collaboration. I also want to acknowledge Eddie Okila, a marketing and media leader who has played a key role as a facilitator in public-private partnerships across Uganda and the region.
Looking ahead, Pontem Analytics is focused on building strong partnerships with Uganda’s private sector to drive digitalization, sustainability, and value addition across industries. With Uganda on the cusp of becoming a regional leader in mining and energy, Pontem is committed to supporting the country’s industrial transformation.
Conclusion: A Strategic Path Forward
Our participation in the Regional Industrialization Conference and the Mineral Wealth Conference was a critical step in cementing Pontem’s role as a key player in Uganda’s future. The insights we gained, the relationships we built, and the opportunities we explored during this trip will shape our strategy moving forward. As Africa’s energy and mining sectors continue to evolve, I am excited about Pontem’s role in helping Uganda harness digital tools to drive sustainable industrialization and socio-economic growth.