- Makerere University and UNDP present the "Youth & Innovation Expo 2023" celebrating a century of innovation in Uganda.
- This event showcases youth-led innovations, entrepreneurship, and partnerships while aiming to empower and transform Uganda's future.
In a celebration of Uganda's rich history of innovation and entrepreneurship, Makerere University and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) proudly present the Youth and Innovation Expo 2023, held under the theme "Fostering Innovation for Uganda’s Transformational Development." This two-day event, taking place on October 6th and 7th, 2023, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm at the prestigious Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility at Makerere University, promises to be a showcase of outstanding youth innovations and enterprises.
A Century of Impact:
Since its inception in 1922, Makerere University has been at the forefront of transforming communities, societies, and nations through its wealth of human capital, ground breaking research, and technological innovations. As we approach the event, we are excited to highlight Makerere's remarkable journey, along with its alumni, in driving innovation and entrepreneurship over the past 100 years.
Empowering Youth Through Innovation:
In 2020, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni launched the Youth4Business Innovation and Entrepreneurship Facility (Y4BF) in collaboration with UNDP and Stanbic Bank Uganda. This initiative was designed to address the pressing issue of youth unemployment, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Through a combination of innovation, job creation, and entrepreneurship support, Y4BF has directly aided over 400 youth businesses and indirectly impacted more than 6,000 youth, partnering with organizations like BRAC and the National Association of Student Enterprises (NASE Africa).
Showcasing Youth-Led Innovations:
As the oldest and largest university in Uganda, Makerere is uniquely positioned as a hub for youth innovations, thanks to end-of-year research projects. Teaming up with UNDP, Makerere will proudly display a selection of youth innovations and startups that have successfully transitioned from research concepts to thriving commercial enterprises. This exhibition aims to forge valuable connections that promote job creation and entrepreneurship, providing access to financial resources, business management expertise, and market opportunities for young entrepreneurs and youth-owned micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).
What to Expect:
The Youth and Innovation Expo 2023 promises a vibrant array of activities and engagements, courtesy of our esteemed sponsors, including MTN Uganda, Stanbic Uganda, Bank of Uganda, Absa Bank, and more. The event will feature master classes tailored to the youth and students, informative panel sessions with regulatory and compliance institutions, an art exhibition, an exciting fashion show curated by Axarya Trends and the Margret Trowel School of Fine Art, a medical camp, food vendor stalls, and exhibitions from all ten colleges of Makerere University, among other highlights.
Over the course of these two days, attendees can anticipate an enriching program that encompasses an opening ceremony, a student-inspired fashion show, captivating performances from the School of Performing Arts and Film, and a showcase of student innovations. We are honored to announce Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, as our Guest of Honour.
Join Us Virtually:
For those unable to attend in person, fret not! The Youth and Innovation Expo 2023 conference program and master classes will be broadcast live on our social media platforms and various national media outlets.
For more information and updates, please visit https://100.mak.ac.ug/ or connect with us on our social media platforms.