The Center for Innovation, Technology, and Entrepreneurship Skilling (CITES) is a New Wave Technologies initiative to empower Ugandan youth through digital skills development, tech entrepreneurship, and innovation. The Center focuses on emerging technologies like AI, Blockchain, ML, and IoT – in alignment with Uganda’s Vision 2040 and ICT-led development.

CITES offers digital literacy boot camps, startup incubation, hackathons, mentorship, and research programs. Through partnerships with the government, private sector, and educational institutions, it provides practical skills, business support, and job opportunities for young Ugandans.

Vision and Mission

Vision
A generation of skilled and innovative Ugandan youth who use emerging technologies to address local and global challenges.

Mission
To empower the youth with digital skills, entrepreneurship training, and knowledge of emerging technologies, enabling them to create and participate in employment and drive Uganda’s economic growth.

People

Advisory Board
List the Advisory Board here. (Profiles should include; a full name, a clear half-size portrait, a description, and links to social media)

Management
List the Management Team here. (Profiles should include; a full name, a clear half-size portrait, a description, and links to social media)

Alumni
List Alumni here. (Profiles should include; a full name, a clear half-size portrait, a description, and links to social media)

3. Thematic Areas

CITES will focus on three key areas:

• Digital Literacy
  Provide training in essential digital skills, including coding, cyber safety, and productivity tools.
  
  
• Tech Entrepreneurship
  Support young entrepreneurs with startup incubation, mentorship, business training, and access to funding. Offer boot camps on business planning, marketing, and fundraising. Provide co-working spaces and networking opportunities.
  
  
• Emerging Technologies
  Introduce the youth to AI, Blockchain, IoT, and other advanced technologies through workshops and innovation labs. Offer specialized training platforms in data science, cloud computing, and cybersecurity, and support research on tech solutions for Uganda’s key sectors.

5. Programs

Key Programs Offered by CITES
(Showcase plans, activities, and News under each of these programs)

1. Digital Literacy Boot Camps: Computer skills, digital communication, and coding short courses.
2. Entrepreneurship Development: Startup incubation, mentorship, business training, and funding support.
3. Hackathons and Competitions: Tech challenges to develop real-world solutions.
4. Mentorship Programs: Career guidance and entrepreneurship coaching from industry experts.
5. Emerging Technology Workshops: Hands-on training in AI, Blockchain, IoT, and more.
6. Research and Innovation Hub: A space for R&D, collaboration, and tech partnerships.

6. Partnerships and Stakeholders

The success of CITES will be driven by strategic partnerships across multiple sectors. List partners.

Government Bodies

Ministry of ICT, Ministry of Education, and Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development for policy alignment and funding support.

Private Sector 

Local and international companies (e.g., Microsoft, Google, and telecom companies) provide mentorship, funding, and access to technology.

Educational Institutions

Partner universities and vocational schools to align training programs with academic curricula and provide certification for CITES graduates.

International Organizations

Global organizations like the World Bank, UNDP, and the African Development Bank for funding, technical support, and capacity building.

Resources

Facility
CITES will be located by the River Nile in Kamuli, featuring modern classrooms, innovation labs, and co-working spaces. The facility will be equipped with high-speed internet, computers, servers, and cutting-edge tech tools to support hands-on learning.

Virtual Learning Platform
A robust online portal will provide remote training, digital certifications, and learning resources, ensuring accessibility for youth across Uganda.

Tech Labs
Specialized labs will offer hands-on experience in AI, machine learning, blockchain, and other emerging technologies, guided by industry experts.

Reports
Download reports and updates about CITES initiatives, programs, and impact.