The growth of technology has enabled the rise of entrepreneurship in Uganda. The last 10 years have seen a rise in the number of young entrepreneurs than has ever been recorded even though most of the growth isn’t particularly documented. Technology hubs, business incubation centers have sprouted in the city and have become a habitat for many young entrepreneurs. Unfortunately, many more entrepreneurs don’t get the chance to access the services these hubs and business incubation centers offer and neither do they even get any support or help in their journey. Lots of entrepreneurs’ efforts and success stories actually go untold because we are generally not good at telling our own stories. We at Dignited are dedicating time and resources to making sure these stories are told.
Despite the the growth spurt, business hasn’t become any easier. We have seen startups come and go as the statistics say, many young businesses do not live to celebrate their 1st birthday and If they do, they normally don’t survive or even grow. 5 years ago, 3 passionate gentlemen decided to start an animation and film company with a dream of doing things differently from what was being done at the time. 5 years later we caught up with the gentlemen to document their journey of entrepreneurship and success as a start up and below is a narrative of the Addmaya Story from Peter and Arthur.
About Addmaya Addmaya is a Ugandan Film, TV and Design firm specializing in Brand Identity, Promos, Commercials, Documentaries and Graphics Design across different media platforms. They have over the years built a strong portfolio of satisfied clients while pushing the boundaries in marketing communications and design.
Addmaya is a team of 10 people with 3 people on the steering wheel; Peter, Arthur and Robert. Peter is the Creative Director who loves golf and Frank Sinatra. Arthur is the Art Director who loves Football and Hillsong and Robert is the Business Director who loves technology, gadgets, football and Formula1.
How We Started Before we started Addmaya, Arthur and I were already doing design and working for some people. We actually started back in the day working for Solomon Benge of Elemental Edge and Watoto Church among others. We would watch YouTube videos and see what other companies globally were doing and admiring their good work. We were having fun and doing things we enjoy. Its during this time that Arthur and I developed a very good working relationship that was very fundamental to the birth of Addmaya.
It all started when I was on leave and Robert Mukasa a friend of mine suggested that we start up a company. It was on a trip to Sipi Falls that this idea was birthed. I was skeptical as I didn’t see myself self as a leader or owning my own business. I was good at following instructions but not good at giving them. So after Robert and I had talked, we spoke to Arthur as well who was then still finishing Electrical engineering at University.
In coming up with the name Addmaya, Robert had asked me to jot down everything we needed to kick off from software to hardware and there was this software called Maya that we couldn’t afford but we needed. There was a slight debate in my mind as to whether we should add Maya to the list and we realized that adding Maya rhymed with Addmaya yet sounded like admire and that’s how we got the name – Addmaya.
We then borrowed some money from a relative and registered the company. I resigned my Job while Arthur was still in school and there we were with a company and no ideas on how we were going to operate, or who was going to be part of it. It was very challenging and that was our first year. We had nothing; no equipment no seed funding nothing – All we had were the ideas because we were frustrated with what we were seeing on TV and billboards at the time. All we wanted to do was to make a difference and to make a change – we believed that our country could do better and at this point, It wasn’t about us anymore it was about what great stuff can come out of our country.
The First Client/Drumming Up Business The first project we did after incorporation was a TV show we created with a friend called Charlotte Namirembe who walked up to us and said “I know you guys are talented and I’ve seen some of your work and you are currently on leave so we can do this” I bought the idea and I interested my partners in the project and they bought the idea too.
It was hard to get jobs at this point because we had no branding in place and most of our portfolio at this point was work we had done in collaboration with others. This made people doubt if we could actually do good work on our own so It was important that we get our own work. We managed to borrow some money from a friend and we used this money to buy our first computer, hire locations and cameras. We also convinced some friends to host the show at no cost. We did the TV show on a shoestring budget and I am not sure how but we were blessed that the show actually made it to TV. This gave us the exposure that we needed. Its one of those projects that we look back at and are proud of.
Business Through The Years I remember leaving the Company registrars office with a document stating that on this day I and my friends had started a company. We had no premises, no computer – we had nothing. We realized we had to be smart and act fast so as to get.
I asked my friends at our apartment to let us use the dining table to place the computer for a few months. The Dining was soon filled with a computer, Displays and lots of cables. Arthur was still on campus so he would pass by on weekends or I would run to his campus room so we had some time to work through what clients wanted and he would work on it and I would do the packaging and delivery. Those were very humble beginnings.
After we grew bigger than the dinning, we decided to move to the garage. I asked my house mate who used to park his car in the garage If he would give us the spaces to set up a studio and he said it was okay. We decided to move to the garage after reading up on many great companies that started up in the garage — We are really grateful to God who allowed us to achieve so much in a dire situation where we didn’t have much except the faith and belief that we could make something out of nothing.
The Valleys In the first 2 years things were really hard and I got a call from my Dad asking me how things were going. I felt like this was my opportunity to whine and get some sympathy and after he listened to all my whining, he told me that he was glad I told him all that and that he had one word for me;
Companies Don’t start small because they are small, companies start small because that is the place to Start Advertisement - Continue reading below
From that point on we stopped looking at ourselves as a small company, but we aware that this was a startup that that had the potential to become bigger than we had ever imagined. We were literally flying this thing while building it. We were approached by many people who wanted to invest in our company but required us to give them 51% ownership. We turned them down because in life, money is important but isn’t everything.
Achievements Addmaya is about People, All the people on board believed in the Idea “You have to believe in your Idea” it’s that belief that got me doing crazy things like quitting my full time job to focus on Addmaya. 5 years ago we were only two people doing most of the work and what we achieved then is simply phenomenal and I hold it dear. We are now 10 staff in total which is a testimony of how far we’ve come. Between 2009 and 2014, Addmaya has grown from serving 4 clients in 2009 to serving over 40 clients both local and international with a steady revenue growth of above 70% year to year.
The Future From the time we started, we knew that this wasn’t a one time venture. We currently may only be a 10 man team but that doesn’t stop up from being excellent in everything we do. In the future we look forward to a couple of things like going regional – We want to serve more people globally. Go beyond Uganda and make the Addmaya brand recognized internationally.
We also want to see individual growth for each of the team members. We are going to invest in the personal development of our team members in accordance with our vision of having a world class workforce the delivers quality work. We want to grow a sustainable business that stands the test of time. We intend to continuously grow the team, the skills and invest in ventures that will grow the business. One that our parents, our fans, our friends and most importantly ourselves can be proud of. In 5 years, we could have the same team but the levels of growth will definitely rise.
About Onyait Odeke
Talkio Mobile , Uganda’s newest telecommunications service provider, is excited to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Banana Life Investments, a leading chain of mobile phone and retail shops. This strategic alliance aims to bring Talkio’s innovative telecom services closer to Ugandans.
This collaboration will leverage Banana Life Investments’ extensive retail network of 26 stores strategically located across Uganda in major malls, towns, and cities to provide customers with unparalleled convenience. Through this partnership, Talkio Mobile will offer its full suite of services, including SIM cards, airtime, and exclusive product offerings at any Banana Life Investment location.
This partnership is more than a business initiative—it’s a shared commitment to transforming lives. By integrating Talkio Mobile’s forward-thinking services & nationwide reach with Banana Life Investments’ retail footprint, the two brands are setting a new standard for customer convenience and inclusivity.
READ ALSO: 5 Things You Need to Know About Talkio Mobile: New Telecom Company in Uganda
“This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission of connecting Ugandans to innovative and transformative telecom solutions,” said Vianne Allan Ahura, CEO of Talkio Mobile. “By leveraging Banana Life Investments’ trusted presence and nationwide footprint, we are not only expanding our agent network but also bringing our services closer to the communities we serve. This collaboration ensures that our online customers can now enjoy a seamless offline experience right at their doorstep. Together, we are empowering Ugandans with the tools they need to stay connected, grow their businesses, and unlock new opportunities.”
Solomon Ssemuyaba, the assistant general manager at Banana Life Investments, echoed this sentiment: “We are proud to join hands with Talkio Mobile to deliver innovative, customer-centric solutions. This partnership represents our shared vision of fostering a connected future for Uganda. Together, we are redefining what convenience and accessibility mean for our customers.”
The partnership goes beyond retail distribution, introducing joint initiatives aimed at value addition and personalized service. Customers can expect seamless access to:
- SIM Card Sales : Available at all Banana Life Investments locations.
- Talkio phone number bookings : Book your preferred Talkio number at any Banana Life Investments location.
- Airtime Services : Recharge easily through in-store purchases.
- Customer Support : Friendly and knowledgeable staff trained to assist with Talkio Mobile products and services.
Additionally, the two companies plan to launch promotional campaigns and expand services to even more locations, ensuring no Ugandan is left behind in the digital transformation.
Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]
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The Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona , the world’s largest exhibition for the mobile industry, has just concluded. This annual event gathers leading technology brands to unveil groundbreaking mobile, AI, and digital solutions innovations. At MWC 2025, TECNO showcased a range of AI-driven products, reinforcing its commitment to cutting-edge technology.
The key launches included:
- CAMON 40 Series – AI-powered smartphones with One-Tap FlashSnap and advanced mobile imaging features.
- MEGABOOK S14 – The world’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring AI-enhanced multitasking and Snapdragon® X Elite.
- MEGABOOK T14 Air & K15S – Lightweight ultrabooks with AI capabilities and extended battery life.
- TECNO AI Glasses Series – Smart eyewear integrating AI imaging, translation, and AR display.
Jan Stryjak, Associate Director at Counterpoint Research, shared, “In the past year, we have observed significant advancements in the field of AI. AI will continue to drive transformative changes in our daily lives. In this critical period for the economic development of emerging markets, TECNO’s AI technologies are unlocking potential for diverse needs.”
“The application of AI technologies is crucial and urgent in emerging markets. We’re committed to bridging the digital gap between emerging and mature markets,” said TECNO CMO, Laury Bai. “TECNO is taking a practical approach to make AI more accessible, ensuring users in emerging markets can access AI and cutting-edge technologies.”
Laury Bai, TECNO CMO
Driven by its commitment, TECNO has forged a robust partnership with MediaTek, establishing a joint AI laboratory dedicated to accelerating advancements in AI. At the event, James Chen, Vice President of Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek, emphasized, “The synergistic R&D efforts between TECNO and MediaTek are set to democratize AI technology. Our collaboration powers a seamless, interconnected AI experience, bringing users a future of truly connected intelligence.”
James Chen, Vice President, Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek
CAMON 40 Series Powered by AI One-Tap FlashSnap Revolutionizes Smartphone Snapshot Photography
TECNO’s Global Product Launch Officer, Olivier Mas, officially unveiled TECNO’s next-generation AI-driven products. Attendees at TECNO’s launch event witnessed the highly anticipated debut of TECNO’s new CAMON 40 Series, a device that embodies TECNO’s legacy of excellence in mobile imaging. Featuring One-Tap FlashSnap Mode and TECNO AI, the series sets a new benchmark in smartphone photography, delivering exceptional snapshot capabilities and AI-enhanced user experiences.
Olivier Mas, TECNO Global Product Launch Officer
The CAMON 40 Series exemplifies a commitment to innovation that transcends hardware and software, extending into strategic partnerships that deliver cutting-edge AI solutions to emerging markets. Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud, remarked, “Our collaboration with TECNO on the CAMON 40 Series is a standout example. Leveraging Google Cloud’s capabilities, we’ve introduced groundbreaking features such as Ask Ella, AI Image Generator, AI Writing, and AI Translate. I am particularly impressed by the industry-leading and competitive edge of some of these innovations. For instance, TECNO’s AI supports text translation in 136 languages, voice translation in 44 languages, and photo translation in 51 languages. We are excited to further strengthen our partnership with TECNO, unlocking limitless potential to bring advanced yet practical AI capabilities to emerging markets in a convenient and secure manner.”
Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud
The CAMON 40 Series’ innovative One-Tap FlashSnap leverages AI to enhance imaging capabilities, revolutionizing mobile photography. AI optimizes camera startup and continuous shooting for instant captures, while AI-powered multi-frame processing intelligently reduces noise and enhances details, delivering sharper, more refined images. Additionally, the BestMoment algorithm analyzes motion patterns, automatically selecting the optimal frames for precise, high-quality shots in dynamic scenarios, ensuring users an unparalleled mobile imaging experience.
TECNO CAMON 40 Demonstrates the Cutting-Edge FlashSnap Capability
To delve deeper into the imaging prowess of the CAMON 40 Series, TECNO invited Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK, to share the image performance of CAMON 40 Pro. Frédéric highlighted, “The CAMON 40 Pro 5G has demonstrated exceptional imaging and performance capabilities in our rigorous evaluations. We’ve been particularly impressed with photo performance being the best for devices under 600$, and the 1st eligible device to our Smart Choice Label.”
Onsite photo of Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK
Beyond its advanced rapid-capture functionality, the integration of TECNO AI further enhances the device’s capabilities. Intelligent imaging, a 360° AI Call Assistant, and productivity tools elevate creativity and efficiency. Powered by MediaTek’s latest chipsets, the series ensures smooth performance, fast processing, and extended battery life. With a sleek, durable, and water-resistant design, it seamlessly blends style with practicality for modern users.
MEGABOOK S14, the World’s Lightest 14-inch OLED Laptop, Inspires Creators and Game Lovers
The MEGABOOK S14 is TECNO’s first OLED laptop and the industry’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring a 2.8K OLED display and incredibly weighing only 899g (31.7oz). The laptop is equipped with the outstanding power of the Snapdragon® X Elite compute platform, the flagship chipset for AI PCs from Qualcomm Technologies, and integrates TECNO’s world’s first self-developed edge-side large-scale AI model, to achieve AI-enhanced multitasking.
World’s Lightest 14-inch Laptop MEGABOOK S14
Specifically designed for next-gen AI productivity, TECNO AI enhances the Ella AI Assistant, AI-powered PPT generation, AI-driven image search, smart albums, and offline meeting transcription with multilingual support. The External Graphics Dock, equipped with a powerful NVIDIA graphic card, delivers scalable, high-performance capabilities for design, gaming, and content creation. The laptop’s 2.8K OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate ensures exceptional visuals, while DTS:X Ultra dual 2W speakers, Wi-Fi 6E, fingerprint login, and PC Manager optimize connectivity and user experience.
TECNO’s strategic partnership with Qualcomm Technologies was a highlight of the TECNO AI Ecosystem Product Launch event, demonstrating a shared vision for the future of AI PCs. Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm, took the stage to discuss the integration of Qualcomm’s cutting-edge PC chipset into the new MEGABOOK S14 laptop, underscoring TECNO’s commitment to delivering high-performance computing solutions.
Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm
In addition, TECNO also introduced several standout new products. The featherlight 999g (35.2oz) ultrabook MEGABOOK T14 Air, features high-speed storage and LPDDR5 memory, while the ultra-thin, all-metal MEGABOOK K15S, equipped with a powerful 70Wh battery and supported by a 65W PD GaN charger, offers a smarter and more long-lasting user experience. Both devices are empowered by TECNO AI with advanced AI capabilities such as AI Album and AI Voice Assistant, making them perfect companions for all aspects of life.
The Next Game-Changing Tech Innovation: See the World with the TECNO AI Glasses Series
TECNO’s new AI Glasses Series also took center stage with the introduction of TECNO AI Glasses Pro and TECNO AI Glasses, reimagining eyewear with cutting-edge imaging, intelligent interactions, and a sleek aesthetic. The TECNO AI Glasses feature an aviator design, while the Pro model showcases a browline style, both embodying timeless elegance and modern fashion.
TECNO AI Glasses Redefine the Way People See the Future
Equipped with a 50MP high-definition camera, the series integrates an OV50D sensor, a 100° ultra-wide-angle custom lens, and an AI ISP imaging chip, forming a mobile-grade imaging system. This system lets users capture stunning, high-resolution photos with advanced AI noise reduction and HDR capabilities. With real-time translation supporting over 100 languages, TECNO AI’s Ella empowers accurate translation even for less common languages, as well as voice control, AI-powered object recognition, and intelligent information summaries for ultimate convenience.
Additionally, the AI Glasses Pro features a MicroLED display with 7th-gen resin waveguide technology, offering a 30° field of view, over 1,500 nits of brightness AR display, and a lightweight, ultra-thin design. The AR display allows users to effortlessly enjoy features like translation display, navigation, information prompts, and teleprompting.
Equipped with a 250mAh battery, these glasses offer over 11 hours of music playback and 8 hours of mixed use with just 30 minutes of charging. An advanced ultra-linear speaker, bass enhancement, and spatial sound deliver an immersive audio experience, while Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4 ensure seamless connectivity.
With these innovative launches, TECNO is setting new standards in mobile imaging and AI-enhanced technology, shaping a more connected and empowered future for consumers in emerging markets. Once again, TECNO has showcased its cutting-edge innovation on the global stage at MWC. With the brand essence of “Stop at Nothing”, TECNO’s relentless pursuit of innovation is making AI-powered technology more accessible, allowing consumers to experience the future ahead of time.
Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]
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