Makerere University and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have announced the Youth and Innovation Expo 2023. The theme of the event is “Fostering Innovation for Uganda’s Transformational Development.” This event aims to highlight remarkable youth innovations and youth-led enterprises.
The Expo is scheduled for October 6th and 7th, 2023, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, and will take place at the Makerere University Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility. MTN Uganda is sponsoring the event, with Start Hub Africa overseeing the knowledge sessions throughout the two days.
Since its establishment in 1922, Makerere University has been a catalyst for change, contributing to communities and societies through research and technological innovations. On October 6th and 7th, 2023, the university intends to exhibit the significant advancements it has made in innovation and enterprise over the past century.
In 2020, the President of Uganda, H.E President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, launched the Youth4Business Innovation and Entrepreneurship Facility (Y4BF) in partnership with UNDP and Stanbic Bank Uganda. This program aims to address youth unemployment by promoting innovation and entrepreneurship, providing financial support, business management skills, and market access to young entrepreneurs and youth-owned MSMEs.
Makerere University, being Uganda’s oldest and largest university, is well-positioned to showcase numerous youth innovations, particularly from end-of-year research projects. Alongside UNDP, Makerere University will present various youth innovations and startups that have successfully transitioned from research to commercial enterprises. The exhibition also aims to facilitate job creation and entrepreneurship by providing access to finance, business skills, and market opportunities for young entrepreneurs and MSMEs.
The Youth and Innovation Expo 2023 has garnered support from sponsors, Makerere@100 partners, and both internal and external university partners. The program will feature an opening ceremony, a panel discussion under the theme “Creating Opportunities for Uganda’s Young People: Moving from Rhetoric to Action,” and five master classes. These master classes will equip students and innovators with essential skills and practical knowledge.
The master classes will focus on topics such as youth engagement in climate action, skills and innovations needed in an unpredictable job market, monetizing innovations, non-linear career paths, and experiences in unlocking finance for youth enterprise and innovation.
The event will also include engaging performances from the school of Performing Arts and Film, a showcase of student innovations, and exhibitions of innovations turned enterprises from the Youth4Business program led by UNDP.
The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, will serve as the Guest of Honour for the exhibition. The Youth and Innovation Expo 2023, along with its conference program and master classes, will be broadcast live on various social media and media platforms.