Uganda has
officially joined the Smart Africa Trust Alliance (SATA), becoming the 16th
country to sign the SATA declaration. The milestone was announced during a
high-level meeting between Lacina Koné, CEO of Smart Africa, and Dr. Chris
Baryomunsi, Uganda’s Minister of ICT and National Guidance. The discussions
also highlighted Uganda’s progress in implementing the Smart Africa Alliance’s
initiatives, particularly the ratification of the Smart Africa Protocol
Agreement.
The meeting
underscored Uganda’s commitment to leveraging digital technologies to drive
economic growth, improve service delivery, and foster regional collaboration.
By joining SATA, Uganda reinforces its role as a key player in Africa’s digital
transformation journey and aligns itself with the continent’s vision of a
single digital market.
During the
meeting, Lacina Koné commended Uganda for its active participation in the Smart
Africa Alliance and its efforts to implement the alliance’s initiatives. “Uganda
has made remarkable progress in advancing the Smart Africa agenda, particularly
with the ratification of the Smart Africa Protocol Agreement,” said Koné. “This
demonstrates Uganda’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for
digital innovation and regional integration.”
The Smart
Africa Protocol Agreement, ratified by Uganda, is a key framework for
harmonizing policies and regulations across member states to facilitate
cross-border digital trade and services. By aligning with this agreement,
Uganda is paving the way for seamless digital interactions and collaborations
within the continent.
Uganda’s
signing of the SATA declaration marks a pivotal moment in its digital
transformation journey. SATA is a collaborative initiative aimed at building
trust and interoperability in digital services across Africa. By joining SATA,
Uganda commits to fostering secure and reliable digital ecosystems that enable
cross-border data flows, e-commerce, and digital identity solutions.
Dr. Chris
Baryomunsi emphasized the importance of this step for Uganda’s digital future.
“Joining the Smart Africa Trust Alliance is a testament to Uganda’s dedication
to building a secure and inclusive digital economy,” he said. “This
initiative will enhance trust in digital services, promote regional
collaboration, and create new opportunities for our citizens and businesses.”
The Smart
Africa Trust Alliance is a cornerstone of the continent’s efforts to create a
single digital market. By fostering trust and interoperability, SATA enables
African countries to collaborate on digital identity, data protection, and
cybersecurity, ensuring that digital services are secure, reliable, and
accessible to all.
By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
