Editor’s note: This post is republished with permission from Daniel Mwesigwa’s Medium blog. Daniel also works as the Editor-at-large here at Dignited
Hello, it’s not Adele, it’s me. I guess the hello obsession has waned, a bit, and well, we should have a chat just about now. We need to talk, but more importantly, we need to find solutions, bereft of fixing the blame, and naming and shaming those we think are contra.
I know, the last time we had a hard talk about the startup eco-system, I tore you to the smithereens , you went awry, you were pissed, just like how I would have been if it were me. And you should have also noticed that some of your close knit circles nodded in agreement with the argument on the table, and no, they were not wearing Judas Iscariot’s lobes. They shared the same sentiments. They are tired, and mostly because of that Africa is rising narrative, which is clearly and frighteningly, hot air.
“My friend Sam Jonah KBE, one of the greatest entrepreneurs Africa has ever produced, once told me this story: He was going on a long journey by sea on a boat, when suddenly it stopped. Upon inquiry they found it had run out of fuel! Investigations revealed that the man in charge of fueling the vessel had deliberately decided not to put fuel on board because he’d had a dispute with the captain over his pay. Stranded together hundreds of miles off the coast of Ghana, and facing danger to all their lives, Mr Jonah asked the man why he would do such a thing given that they were all on the same boat, including the man himself. He had no answer…” This was a story told by Econet founder, Strive Masiyiwa.
Today, I want to make things clear, I am not like that man in charge of fuel who ends up shooting not only himself but also everyone else on the boat. That is what I quintessentially did, when I went pronto on naming and shaming the evils in the start-up scene in Kampala. The cabals and fortune seekers. I realized many people furrowed their brows, took positions and were ready to go defensive. Let’s do it different today.
Please grab a coffee, and while at that, let your coffee grab another coffee. It’s going to be a long one.
Uganda has been long touted as the most entrepreneurial country in world. Heck, even Sir Winston Churchill named us the pearl of Africa about 100 years ago. Having crawled our way back from an edge of an abyss, we seem to have our mojo together now.
But that’s utterly misleading and potentially very damaging. Suddenly many people think that Uganda is bubbling with million-dollar enterprises and yet it’s actually a completely different story — a story of survival or ultimate death.
The necessity to seek out new ways of surviving is part of the reason why almost everyone in Uganda qualifies as a serial entrepreneur, and this isn’t even an incentive.
But how can our startups have a fairer chance?
The diaspora effect
2015 will definitely go down as the year startup funding in Africa hit the tipping point, especially in Nigeria. Startups like Hotels.ng closed million dollar rounds, M-KOPA raised $19.5 million in its third take. In Uganda, fintech startup, Intel World, closed an undisclosed round from angel investors. I don’t have the exact figures but a lot of funding happened, although still ranking low on the global scale. If there is a takeaway here is the behind the scenes involvement of the diaspora. Dollar signs came trickling to African startups through founders and investors from the diaspora. But there was and is a caveat. If a rockstar African startup founder doesn’t network far and wide beyond the sea. They would only and only raise the proverbial $10k at best, no matter how good their product could be. Chances are they get comfortable with such mediocrity, and hence pave way for slow and steady failure. To unlock the diaspora code, you should either team up with an OxCam or Standford alumni, or you should strategically spread your pitch decks far wide in Europe or America or Asia.
Schools
So they tout internet entrepreneurship as meritocracy first over pedigree. That skills over CGPA. But. Not in Africa, not in Uganda, at least to a larger extent. For a startup that has no projections or collateral, the first thing an investor would look out for is the quality of people behind it. What schools they went to, prior work experience and all other polemic things. You can’t blame them. Nobody wants to roll dice with their hard-earned money, especially, not in Africa: where corruption and embezzlement are second to nature, where data about previous ventures is almost non-existent, and working in low probabilities is the only way. Bruh! You better have gone to a respectable school. And with a very strong alumni. The same could be said about your previous work, perhaps bringing experience from one of the Big 4 could help. Forget about those to the square pegs in round holes proclamations from college dropouts like Steve Jobs. Do yourself a favour, please.
On the other hand, this probably is not investigated, but the kind of high schools local startup entrepreneurs go to speak somehow affect how they turn out in the eco-system. Almost every successful or quasi successful startup entrepreneur in Uganda I know went to a traditional high school. I can ably attest to this because I had a fair share in both traditional and private school settings. For my O’level at Ntare School, I had lots of time to drowse myself in encyclopedias and allowed time to dream, but for my A’level at Naalya S.S, it was just class work. eat. sleep. Repeat. Rewind. By far, any ambitious young turk would lose their entrepreneurial spirit and nonetheless, those who wouldn’t either way, would lose the good ol’ midas touch passed on from when they were young, the good ol’ days.
This entrepreneurship journey doesn’t start now, and neither will it stop now. We need to align our future goals with the institutions that have existed before or at least, modestly, associate with them.
Research & Development(R&D)
The hub model
Everything wrong with the co-working/innovation hub model is mirrored by the pitfalls in Uganda’s public private led chamber of commerce. As Andrew Rugasira, attempts to dream of a better future of commerce in the country, he decries dwindling memberships, apathy and disgruntlement of members, general failure of the whole system. These are rue to national issues such as high levels of unemployment and an overwhelming amount of dead capital. For hubs, however, their sustenance is the lacuna. How can they claim to accelerate and mentor startups, if they themselves, are uncertain of their own existence tomorrow. Some of the solutions Rugasira gives in his Op-ed can be easily contextualized to the hub model and make much sense. I know a lot of people have suggested and improvised ways the hub jinx can be cracked in Africa, but that is all a story for another day. What we need now is hubs that are functional and running.
Government support?
In a country with a disproportionate government sector, where the legacy of colonial structures have made the government slower and less responsive than it could be, citizens and startups have been left with no choice other than be a ‘government’ unto themselves.
Survival is as central to these businesses as hitting revenue targets is to large corporations. More than 80 per cent of the economy is informal and that only looks like growing. But this doesn’t necessarily mean we’ll be richer. And it won’t mean there’s any more money in the government coffers. That ox won’t be speeding up anytime soon.
So combat inspired terms such as, survival for the clicktiest , innovate or die , go lean or go home , are not going anywhere soon. If anything, you may even seek solace in them. Write them on your post-its and swear to become startup pirates. That’s part of the exciting startup roller coaster. But let us never stop the habit of sharing, and speaking up, and building our community. Abdu Sekalala allegedly made a million dollars from the Nokia store in 2013, but a few know that that figure was inflated. Believe you me, lots of us were led on to join the app-making machinery, many traveled from different corners of the world, only for our fingers to get charred. Sadly, many rookies are still diving in headfirst and crushing, almost immediately. This only increments the statistics and acts as a warning for others to play it safe.
Now put all the aforesaid points in concert and add belief and hope in the mix and we’ll be good to go. It may be a painful year long journey, two, three, ten, years, but yes, we have to keep our noses on the grind. Nothing comes easy.
With a nod to F. Scott Fitzgerald: “The test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in mind at once.” The most evolved state of all is loving our eco-system while seeing and standing upon its faults. We just have to stay woke and sober while we do it.
This account is managed by the in-house team at Dignited, a collective of passionate tech writers, editors, and enthusiasts dedicated to bringing you the latest insights, reviews, and news on consumer technology. For inquiries or feedback, feel free to reach out to us at [email protected] .
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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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