The Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, the organisers of the fair say this year's edition is coming with plenty of opportunity for job seekers, young professionals, and students to connect with leading employers and industry experts, offering a gateway to career growth in Uganda’s rapidly expanding ICT sector.
The 3rd edition of the National ICT Job Fair is set to kick off next week from 21st to 22nd November 2024 at the National ICT Innovation Hub in Nakawa, Kampala.
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Under the theme “Shaping Uganda’s Digital Future: Bridging Skills, Innovation, and Opportunity”, the event focuses on addressing unemployment by equipping attendees with digital skills essential for success in the modern job market.
The two-day fair will feature workshops, career panels, networking sessions, and hands-on labs, all designed to prepare participants for emerging opportunities in Uganda’s evolving digital economy.
A Platform to Bridge the Skills Gap
The job fair aims to empower Uganda’s youth by bridging the skills gap in the ICT sector, which currently employs 2.3 million people and contributes 9% to Uganda’s GDP.
According to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, Dr. Aminah Zawedde, “Digital skills are at the heart of Uganda’s digital transformation agenda. They drive economic growth, create jobs, enhance education, and improve access to essential services.”
The National ICT Job Fair comes at a time when the ICT sector is experiencing significant growth, with an average annual growth rate of 14.8% according to the National Planning Authority. This growth is attributed to government initiatives like the National ICT Initiatives Support Programme (NIISP) and investments in infrastructure, e-services, and digital literacy programs.
Opportunities for Career Development
The job fair is designed to be more than a recruitment event—it’s a chance for attendees to gain insights into the ICT sector and its potential to transform lives. Activities include:
- Career Panels: Industry leaders will share insights on trends, career paths, and essential skills for success in fields like ICT, finance, and healthcare.
- Workshops and Seminars: Practical sessions will cover topics such as interview techniques, personal branding, cybersecurity, and coding.
- Mock Interviews and Resume Reviews: Job seekers will receive real-time feedback to refine their applications and interview skills.
- Networking Sessions: Speed networking events will allow attendees to interact with top employers, government officials, and industry experts.
- Interactive Labs: Hands-on experiences with coding challenges, virtual reality, and ICT innovations will help participants gain practical skills.
A Pathway to a Digital Future
The event’s ongoing success is supported by Huawei Technologies Uganda, whose partnership ensures a comprehensive program tailored to the evolving demands of the job market.
Hon. Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, Minister for ICT and National Guidance, emphasised the importance of the ICT sector in tackling unemployment: “The ICT sector is pivotal in bridging the unemployment gap. Initiatives like the National ICT Job Fair unlock the potential of our youth and propel Uganda’s ICT growth forward.”