Refactory Academy hosted Uganda’s premier showcase of locally built technology at the Digital Solutions Expo 2025, under the powerful theme: “Tech Made in Uganda.”, at the National ICT Innovation Hub.
The Digital Solutions Expo was designed as a platform to showcase industry-ready software products developed by Refactory apprentices (junior developers). This event serves as a dynamic marketplace for talent and technology, bringing together industry leaders and senior software developers to engage with Refactory talent and explore digital solutions created through the Apprenticeship program.
Fostering these connections will establish a pipeline of potential industry projects from companies and organizations, providing valuable hands-on experience for 10X Program participants under the Apprenticeship model.
The event has featured innovative work of Refactory’s learners, who unveiled industry digital solutions they have developed over the past six months for the industry. Apprentices showcased their tech products, demonstrating their expertise, creativity and solutions that solve problems, inviting partners to view the projects that the learners are working on, to generate interest for more partners to work with our participants as interns to support them develop or build technology for their business or organizations.
Alongside the expo, over 200 graduands were awarded certificates, recognizing graduates from the acclaimed 10X Program. The ceremony honored young women, including refugees and women with disabilities enrolled on the 10X Program and completed intensive digital training and are now equipped to enter the workforce or launch their own ventures.
“Our 10X Program participants are not just learning how to code—they are solving real problems,” said Ivan Koreta Katumba, Apprenticeship Lead at Refactory. “From digital tools for farmers to fintech solutions for the unbanked, these projects reflect what’s possible when young people are given the right skills and the right opportunities.”
The 10X Program, led by Outbox (U) Ltd and the United Nations Capital Development Fund, in collaboration with Refactory, Women in Technology Uganda, in partnership with Mastercard Foundation, is designed to unlock access to dignified employment through digital skilling. Over the next three years, it aims to impact more than 60,000 young women and create career opportunities for over 46,000 youth across Uganda. Refactory plays a key role by equipping these young people—many from underserved communities—with the tools to thrive in a digital economy.
Beyond statistics, the Digital Solutions Expo tells stories. Stories of resilience, innovation, and transformation. From a refugee building logistics apps for small businesses, to a young woman with a disability launching an e-commerce platform—this event will bring their journeys to life.
Whether you’re a tech employer looking for fresh talent, an investor exploring innovation in East Africa, or a young developer searching for inspiration, the Expo promises networking, insight, and celebration.
“This isn’t just a ceremony. It is a movement to involve more Young Women into the tech space to build Uganda’s digital future,” said Joanita Nalubega, Head of Programs at Refactory.
The Key note speaker, Stephen Magero, an industry Leader and senior technology executive at Andela pointed out that a lot of challenges in the tech industry stemmed from not fully understanding the need to digitise and having a mindset and cultural change to enable tech talent to succeed. He commended Refactory academy for its apprenticeship program and urged graduands and all tech talent to embrace collaboration since it helps demonstrate competency and cocreation of solutions.
“At Refactory, you don’t need prior tech skills—just passion, interest, and dedication. Through our 10x program, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, UNCDF, and Outbox, we are opening doors for young women and refugees to access meaningful work. With 90% of tech talent concentrated in Kampala, we’ve strategically partnered with regional ICT hubs and delivery partners to ensure more inclusive access, including remote learning options.” Said Micheal Niyitegeka, Executive Director at Refactory
