AI is an opportunity for those ready to adapt, says Joy Mwangi. The third State of the Digital Economy (SODE) conference opened with a call for Uganda to shift from expanding internet access to creating jobs, businesses and innovation through technology, setting the tone for a national conversation on how digital transformation can deliver real economic opportunities. Uganda's digital transformation must now be measured not by the number of people connected to the internet, but by how technology creates jobs, strengthens businesses and improves lives, Next Media Chief Marketing and Ventures Officer Joy Mwangi has said. Opening the third State of the Digital Economy (SODE) conference at the Next Conference Centre, Mwangi said the country has reached a point where conversations about connectivity must evolve into practical action that generates economic value. Organised by NextCom in partnership with the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance and other partners, this year's conference is being held under the theme, "Beyond Connectivity: Turning Access into Opportunity." The event has brought together government leaders, technology companies, innovators, academia and development partners to examine how Uganda can translate digital access into inclusive economic growth. "We are saying that if we want to build the digital economy, we cannot simply take part in conversations. We must own those conversations, create change and build systems that work for the economy," Mwangi said. Her remarks established the central theme that would dominate discussions throughout the conference: Uganda's next digital milestone is no longer expanding connectivity, but ensuring citizens, businesses and institutions benefit economically from digital technologies. Mwangi described NextCom as a digital-first communications agency that helps organisations engage audiences where they increasingly spend their time - on mobile and digital platforms. "Our role is to help brands move away from broad conversations and communicate directly with consumers through digital platforms," she said. She outlined the agency's integrated services, including creative and brand design, audiovisual production, photography, digital content, social media strategy, influencer marketing, analytics and research, saying organisations must adapt to rapidly changing consumer behaviour. She also highlighted the growing role of the Next Creata Hub, which provides a collaborative space where creators, agencies, brands and influencers produce digital content while developing sustainable careers within Uganda's expanding creator economy. Mwangi said NextCom is also investing in digital employment through the Next Creata Programme, implemented in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, which aims to equip 3,300 young people annually with practical digital and content creation skills across 14 regions of Uganda. "How do we help a young person use their mobile phone and turn it into a job opportunity? That is the question we are answering," she said. She said the creator economy is becoming an increasingly important pillar of Uganda's digital ecosystem, with content creators influencing purchasing decisions, shaping public discourse and helping businesses reach new audiences. Through Next Influencer, she said, NextCom is helping organisations build credible partnerships with creators while supporting young people to develop sustainable careers through digital content. "Our promise is that we don't simply connect brands with influencers. We create credibility, sustainability and measurable value that allows organisations to see real returns on their investment," Mwangi said. Turning to artificial intelligence, Mwangi urged organisations to view AI as a tool for innovation and productivity rather than a threat to employment. "The question is no longer whether AI will change jobs. The question is who is ready to use it. I don't see AI as a threat. I see it as an enabler that helps us become more efficient and create more opportunities for young people and businesses," she said. She said SODE continues to provide a platform where policymakers, innovators, businesses and development partners can shape ideas that strengthen Uganda's digital future. "As you leave today, we hope you learn something new about technology and discover new opportunities to create value. We are here to serve you, and we welcome the opportunity to work together in building Uganda's digital economy," she said. Now in its third edition, SODE has grown into one of Uganda's leading digital policy and innovation forums. Discussions at this year's conference would go on to explore how stronger partnerships, practical digital skills, trusted digital services, affordable access and artificial intelligence can help Uganda move beyond connectivity and unlock new economic opportunities for its citizens.

African Ministers of Education and finance convene in Malawi to take stock of progress in meeting the continental pledge to end learning poverty by 2035. The third Africa Foundational Learning Exchange opens July 15 in Lilongwe. Countries will assess progress since the landmark Declaration of Action in Kigali in 2024 and adopt new measures to improve foundational learning outcomes at scale on the continent Published on. 13 July, 2026 LILONGWE, Malawi, July 13, 2026 - More than 600 education leaders, policymakers, researchers, development partners, and practitioners from over 40 African countries will gather in Malawi this week for the 2026 Africa Foundational Learning Exchange (FLEX2026). The three-day event opens this Wednesday, July 15, at the Bingu wa Mutharika International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe. It is the first continental convening since 2024 to take stock of the continent's shared commitment to ending learning poverty by 2035 and adopt new measures to accelerate foundational learning outcomes at scale. FLEX2026 arrives at a critical juncture. Nearly 9 out of 10 children in much of Africa cannot read and understand simple text by age 10, a crisis known as learning poverty. At the same time, official development assistance (ODA) to education is declining, public finances are under strain, and governments face growing pressure to demonstrate that investment in foundational learning is reaching classrooms, producing results, and contributing to national economic growth agendas. This third edition of FLEX gives African countries a structured opportunity to do precisely that - to move from commitment to results and accountability. "Malawi is honoured to host the Africa Foundational Learning Exchange, and we come to this moment not just as hosts but as participants who are doing the work," says Honourable Bright Msaka, Minister of Education, Science and Technology of the Republic of Malawi. "Through the National Reading Programme, the National Mathematics Curriculum Reform and the BEFIT programme - which is bringing technology-supported learning to thousands of schools across the country - we are making measurable progress. But we also recognise that no country has all the answers. FLEX exists precisely for this: to share what we are learning, learn from others, hold one another to account, and find the solutions that can reach every African child." Across the three-day programme, delegates will participate in Ministerial roundtables, high-level plenary discussions, technical workshops, peer-learning sessions, country spotlights, school visits, and interactive exhibitions showcasing innovative policies, programmes, technologies, and evidence-based solutions that are improving foundational learning across Africa. Discussions will follow four thematic pillars: * Data, Assessment, and Accountability; * Teaching, Learning, and Pedagogy; * Education Workforce and System Leadership; and * Governance, Alignment, Cost-Effectiveness, and Financing. Meanwhile, ADEA and UNICEF will host pre-FLEX activities on data-led decision-making and a south-south learning exchange between Africa and India. On 13th and 14th July, ADEA is convening focal points from 25 countries on its education and skills data challenge initiative (ESDC) to cross-breed learning on practical ways to entrench data-driven decision-making in Ministries of Education. Also, on 14th July, UNICEF is organising a South-South learning session between foundational learning authorities in India and Africa. The session continues previous efforts to adapt some of the experiences that yielded massive learning improvement in India. FLEX will conclude on Friday, the 17th, with the presentation and adoption of the FLEX2026 resolutions. "What makes this platform unique is that it was instituted and led by African countries, for African countries. Governments come together not simply to exchange ideas but to examine evidence, assess progress against shared commitments, and strengthen the systems that deliver better learning outcomes. As the organising institution of FLEX, ADEA is proud to support our member countries with a trusted platform where they can learn from one another, build lasting partnerships, and accelerate reforms that will help fulfil the commitment to end learning poverty by 2035 and achieve their national education goals," says Albert Nsengiyumva, Executive Secretary of ADEA. FLEX was established as an African-led platform for peer learning, policy dialogue, and mutual accountability on foundational learning. The inaugural exchange was held in Freetown, Sierra Leone, in 2023, and the second edition was held in Kigali, Rwanda, in 2024, where 34 African Ministers of Education adopted the Declaration of Action, committing their countries to work collectively towards ending learning poverty in Africa within the decade through stronger political leadership, sustained investment, and the scaling of evidence-based reforms. Beyond the 2025 ADEA Triennale, FLEX2026 marks the first continental opportunity for participating countries to assess progress against those commitments, exchange lessons from implementation, and define new ambitions for addressing challenges impeding progress towards fully meeting the five actions from Kigali and sustaining momentum over the coming decade. The event also advances Africa's broader education agenda, contributing to the implementation of the African Union's Continental Education Strategy for Africa 2026-2035 (CESA 26-35), achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4), and 2025 ADEA Triennale recommendations that call for translating policy commitments into measurable improvements in learning. The Government of Malawi is hosting this event, organized by ADEA, in partnership with the African Union, UNICEF, World Bank, Human Capital Africa, Imagine Worldwide, Luminos Fund, Prevail Fund, Federer Foundation, Hempel Foundation, Gates Foundation and the Mastercard Foundation. Together, these institutions are supporting African countries to strengthen foundational learning through evidence-informed policies, peer learning, stronger implementation, and sustained political commitment. Official event information, registration, and media accreditation are available at flex2026.adeanet.org. Key references Media contacts * FLEX2026 Communications Sub-Committee | Chinedu Ejike Anarado | [email protected] * MoEST Malawi Public Relations Unit: [Lily Kampani - [email protected]] * Africa Practice: Joslyne Muthoni | [email protected] * Speak Up Africa: Ousmane Toure | [email protected] Subscription.

Agrisiti, Mastercard Foundation, partners celebrate emerging agripreneurs at AquaRice 360 Pitch Competition. July 4, 2026 Agrisiti, in collaboration with Tagdev 2.0, the University of Port Harcourt, RuForum (Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture), in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, has successfully concluded the AquaRice 360 Pitch Competition, crowning outstanding youth-led agribusiness ventures from across Nigeria and marking the culmination of the Agrisiti Hybrid Digital Training on Agribusiness and Climate-Smart Skills Programme. The competition brought together some of the programme's most promising participants, who spent 12 weeks developing practical skills in agribusiness, climate-smart agriculture, entrepreneurship, employability, and business innovation within the rice and aquaculture value chains. -Advertisement- Speaking on the programme's impact, Agrisiti Chief Executive Officer, Joseph Ante, reaffirmed the organisation's commitment to building the next generation of agricultural entrepreneurs. -Advertisement- -Advertisement- "Its commitment to empowering the next generation of agricultural entrepreneurs remains unwavering. Through strategic partnerships, mentorship, and access to opportunities, AF24News is equipping young people with the tools they need to build successful agribusinesses and contribute meaningfully to food security and economic development. "The success of these participants reinforces our belief in the potential of youth to transform agriculture across Africa," Ante added. Designed to equip young people with the knowledge, networks, and confidence required to thrive in agriculture, the programme engaged 3,591 youths across Ogun, Enugu, Cross River, Rivers, Bayelsa, Kano, and Niger States through a combination of digital learning, mentorship, practical demonstrations, field immersion, and business development activities. At the AquaRice 360 Pitch Competition, participating teams presented innovative business solutions addressing challenges and opportunities across the rice and aquaculture value chains. Their ideas were assessed on innovation, feasibility, market potential, sustainability, team capability, and social impact. Across the seven participating states, several outstanding ventures emerged as state champions. These included Green Coal Initiative in Niger State, AgroAqua Innovators in Ogun State, Aqua Drift in Bayelsa State, RIV Farm in Rivers State, Agri Nourisha Limited in Enugu State, AgroFusion in Cross River State, and Egodinula Farms & General Enterprises in Kano State. The winning teams showcased innovative approaches spanning rice production, aquaculture, fish processing, value addition, agribusiness services, and climate smart farming practices. Cash prizes and seed capital awards, were given to the winning teams with access to mentorship opportunities, business advisory support, ecosystem partnerships, and connections that will help accelerate the growth of their enterprises beyond the programme. According to the Chief Executive Officer, the programme was developed in response to growing concerns around youth unemployment, food insecurity, and declining participation in agriculture despite the sector's immense potential for economic growth. Ante explained that by combining technical training with entrepreneurship development, employability support, mentorship, and real-world exposure, the initiative seeks to position agriculture as a viable and attractive pathway for young people. Participants completed online learning modules, participated in team-based agribusiness projects, attended practical demonstrations and field immersion activities, and received mentorship support to refine business concepts and career pathways. Many participants also developed investor-ready business models and strengthened their professional readiness for employment opportunities within the agricultural sector. Beyond the competition, programme partners remain committed to supporting participants through continued access to mentorship, business incubation opportunities, industry networks, and employment pathways. As Africa's youth population continues to expand, initiatives such as the Agrisiti Hybrid Digital Training on Agribusiness and Climate-Smart Skills Programme demonstrate the critical role of partnerships in creating sustainable livelihoods, strengthening food systems, and unlocking young people's potential to drive inclusive economic growth. Agrisiti Nigeria Ltd is a digital agritech company delivering integrated urban farming, education, and hardware solutions that empower people to grow food sustainably for livelihood and subsistence. -Advertisement-