Official Launch of Wakandi Uganda Marks a Milestone in Cooperative Digitization

Kampala, Uganda – Wakandi, a forward-thinking financial technology company, has celebrated the official opening of its Ugandan office, marking a crucial step in its mission to bring digital solutions to the country’s expansive cooperative sector. This week, esteemed guests, government officials, and leaders from various sectors gathered to commemorate this milestone, supporting Wakandi’s journey in transforming financial inclusion across Uganda.

Distinguished Guests Attend the Official Opening

The event, hosted at Wakandi’s new office, welcomed high-profile dignitaries, including H.E. Tone Tinnes, Ambassador to Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda, alongside Heidi M. Dahl, Director of Innovation Norway in Africa. Ivan Assimwe, General Secretary of the Uganda Cooperative Alliance (UCA), was also present, underscoring the strong partnership between Wakandi and UCA, which aims to bridge the digital gap for Uganda’s cooperative sector.

Pioneering Partnership for Digital Transformation

Later that day, a pivotal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed at Kampala’s Serena Hotel between Innovation Norway and Uganda’s Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives. The agreement, designed to fuel Uganda’s cooperative digital transformation, was accompanied by another MOU between Wakandi Uganda and the UCA. This partnership holds ambitious goals, notably the digitization of over 10 million Savings and Credit Cooperative Organization (SACCO) members across the nation, a venture that will create accessible, streamlined digital services for millions of Ugandans.

A Commitment to Cooperative Advancement

The Uganda Cooperative Alliance, central to Uganda’s cooperative movement with over 46,000 registered cooperatives and a membership base exceeding 18 million, plays a pivotal role in this project. UCA has long been committed to advancing cooperative welfare, offering support services, advocating for cooperative rights, and fostering growth. The new agreement with Wakandi will bring unprecedented access to digital tools, enhancing UCA’s ability to support Uganda’s cooperative communities in achieving sustainable growth and financial prosperity.

Public Broadcast Highlights Project Vision

Following the event, Wakandi’s mission gained further attention as representatives appeared on Uganda’s national “Good Morning Uganda” show. This media coverage allowed Wakandi to discuss its role in Uganda’s digital evolution, reaching a wider audience and showcasing the potential impact of its technology on millions of cooperative members.

Wakandi CEO Espen Kvelland expressed pride in the venture, stating, “Our partnership with UCA and Innovation Norway sets a transformative path for digital financial inclusion across Uganda’s cooperative movement. We are committed to empowering millions through this journey.”

This significant move signals Wakandi’s dedication to fostering a more inclusive digital financial ecosystem, with Uganda now standing as a prime example of cooperative-led innovation in East Africa.