MultiChoice Africa Holdings (MAH), a leading provider of entertainment and educational content across the continent, and Uganda’s Ministry of ICT and National Guidance have announced a strategic partnership aimed at bolstering local content production, promoting digitalization, and fostering skills development within the country’s creative industries.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by both parties outlines a collaborative framework to strengthen the Ugandan content sector, protect intellectual property rights, and enhance digital infrastructure. This move comes as part of a broader effort to leverage technology for socio-economic development in Uganda.
Key Points of the Partnership:
- Empowering Local Content Creators: The partnership seeks to empower Ugandan filmmakers, producers, and storytellers by providing them with platforms, resources, and training opportunities to create high-quality content that resonates with local audiences.
- Promoting Digitalization: The collaboration aims to accelerate Uganda’s digital transformation by enhancing digital infrastructure and increasing access to digital services across the country. This includes initiatives to improve internet connectivity, expand digital literacy programs, and promote the use of technology in education and healthcare.
- Protecting Intellectual Property: Recognizing the importance of protecting creative works, the partnership will focus on strengthening copyright laws and enforcement mechanisms to safeguard the rights of Ugandan content creators and ensure they receive fair compensation for their work.
- Fostering Skills Development: Through training programs and workshops, the partnership will equip Ugandan creatives with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in the digital age. This includes initiatives to train local talent in various aspects of content production, from scriptwriting and directing to post-production and distribution.
Dr. Aminah Zawedde, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “This MoU marks a significant milestone in our efforts to foster a vibrant and sustainable creative industry in Uganda. By working together with MultiChoice Africa, we are confident that we can unlock the full potential of our local talent and create a thriving digital ecosystem that benefits all Ugandans.”
Dr. Keabetswe Modimoeng, Group Executive of Regulatory & Corporate Affairs at MultiChoice Group, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of Uganda as a strategic market for commercial growth and socio-development initiatives.
The partnership between MultiChoice Africa and Uganda’s Ministry of ICT represents a significant step towards realizing the vision of a digitally empowered Uganda. By combining their expertise and resources, both organizations are poised to make a lasting impact on the country’s creative industries, digital landscape, and overall socio-economic development.