TLDR: Dr. Monica Musenero, Uganda’s Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation, has challenged the nation to transition from being mere consumers of technology to becoming creators and leaders in Africa’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) revolution. Speaking at the AI in Health Africa 2025 Conference, she emphasized the need for Uganda to develop homegrown AI solutions that address national priorities and compete globally, advocating for self-reliance and ethical AI development.
Uganda’s Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation, Hon. Dr. Monica Musenero, has issued a compelling call to action, urging the nation to take a leading role in Africa’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) revolution. Speaking at the AI in Health Africa 2025 Conference, hosted at Makerere University, Dr. Musenero articulated a vision for Uganda to evolve from a technology-consuming nation into a hub for AI creation and innovation.
During her address, Dr. Musenero underscored the critical need for Uganda to ‘define its own AI future’ by developing technologies that not only respond to national priorities but also possess the capability to compete on a global scale. She emphasized a paradigm shift, stating, ‘This is the season for us to contribute to the world by partaking in the development and production of AI tools that will facilitate service delivery.’ She further elaborated, ‘We must become creators, not just consumers. We must build our own foundations, own our data, and define our AI future on our own terms.’ This sentiment highlights a strategic move towards technological sovereignty and economic independence, aiming to reduce reliance on foreign digital solutions which often lead to capital outflow.
Dr. Musenero commended Makerere University for its burgeoning number of AI-driven initiatives but also challenged academia and innovators to push beyond mere prototypes. Her vision extends to moving from innovation to commercialization, transforming startups into ‘unicorns’—companies valued at over $1 billion—that can drive Africa’s transformation. The government’s commitment to this goal is evident through initiatives like the Life Sciences Innovation Centre, designed to support scalable homegrown technologies.
The Minister also stressed the importance of adopting AI with a clear economic philosophy. ‘We cannot resist AI. But we must adopt it with the right philosophy so that it becomes a driver of economic development, not just convenience,’ she asserted, advocating for AI integration that prioritizes national development. This approach aims to ensure that AI serves as a catalyst for economic growth rather than merely a tool for convenience.
Prof. Tonny Oyana, Principal of Makerere University’s College of Computing and Information Sciences, echoed these sentiments by highlighting existing local innovations. He showcased examples such as AI-driven diagnostic tools capable of detecting diseases from a simple blood test in minutes, and affordable air-quality monitoring devices priced under $200. These examples demonstrate the tangible potential for local AI development to address pressing societal needs.
The conference also saw contributions from Dr. Kambugu, who emphasized that AI in health must be ‘African-led, ethical, and inclusive.’ He stressed the importance of considering ethics, governance, and data protection in AI integration to ensure public trust and policies that reflect African values. This holistic approach aims to ensure that AI development is not only technologically advanced but also socially responsible and culturally relevant.
Also Read:
- Kenya Leads Africa in Youth-Driven, Privacy-First AI Adoption, Zoho Study Reveals
- African Technology Forum Celebrates Young Innovators Revolutionizing Healthcare with AI at 2025 Challenge Awards
Dr. Musenero framed the Fourth Industrial Revolution, characterized by AI, cloud computing, and nanotechnology, as Africa’s ‘first true industrial revolution.’ She argued that previous industrial revolutions largely bypassed the continent due to historical disruptions like the slave trade and colonialism. Now, with established institutions, a growing population, and developing infrastructure, she believes Africa is uniquely positioned to lead this technological wave, transforming its challenges into ‘raw materials’ for innovation.
