The 2nd Annual Social Entrepreneurship Symposium
On 5th October, 2022, we hosted the 2nd Annual Social Entrepreneurship Symposium under the theme Social Entrepreneurship As a core To Building Sustainable Enterprises in Uganda at our Social Entrepreneurship Hub in Kajjansi. This was a hybrid event attended by more than 300 hundred distinguished guests from social enterprise organisations as well as media representatives.
Some of the invited guests at the annual social entrepreneurship symposium.
The symposium was ideal for anyone looking for inspiration, empowerment, and networking with other change makers in Africa and globally.
It brought together social entrepreneurs, investors, Philanthropists, NGOs, Government, development partners, students, researchers, social impact investors, change makers, business owners and those with a vision that includes social impact towards overcoming the social challenges in their communities.
The opening remarks were given by H.E Maria Hakansson, Ambassador Embassy of Sweden who mentioned that the symposium aimed at creating synergies between social entrepreneurs and investors, discussing how Social Entrepreneurship is central to building sustainable enterprises and addressing the critical challenges faced by Social Entrepreneurs in Uganda.
Ms. Jackie Namara Rukare (FCIM) the chairperson Board of Capital Solutions Limited and CEO Iguru Consult Ltd in her welcome remarks noted, “We look forward to your insightful moderating of the panels at the Forum to help drive towards these conclusions. I trust that you will be able to have in-depth discussions on all of the issues”.
The other speakers on the event included Ms. Rosemary Amondi, the Regional Director East Africa ANDE who gave the keynote address, Ms Twasiima P. Birgirwa, Programme Officer Segal Family Foundation, Mr. Alfred Oyo the Under Secretary MOTIC representing the Permanent Secretary Ministry Of Trade, Industries and Cooperatives, Dr. Cathy Mbidde, Director Makerere University Entrepreneurship and Innovation Centre, Dr. Joyce N Tamale , CEO and Co-Founder of Capital Solutions Limited, Ms. Verena Bruegelmann CUSP GIZ, Professor Jean Gabin, Director of the Centre of Studies and Research on transitional and Learning Faculty of Education in the University of Sherbrooke, Immaculate Nakyeyune, Founder of Mkazipreneur, Mr. Charles Naalyali, CEO Uganda Tree Resources Limited and Mr. Rogers Collins Anguzu, Head-Marketing and Communications New Vision.
Other highlights of the event included Panelist discussions and the breakout rooms where topics such as: financial instruments, market accessibility, strategic networking and business development available for social entrepreneurs were discussed. Also two of our social entrepreneurs in the social entrepreneurship Forum Mr. George Itiamat, the Managing Director at TECOMA and Ms. Aisha Ganda, founder of Star Hive Africa Shared their success stories about being able to scale and market their businesses through our Social Business Accelerator Program.
The event concluded with an exhibition session where the social entrepreneurs showcased their products/ items and the social impact of their work to distinguished guests and relevant organizational partners.
The exhibition reflected a unique blend of contemporary design, local knowledge and high quality, skilled work. It was characterized by interviews that captured the essence of the ideas behind each business – how they related to social issues, community engagement, environment, innovation and sustainability. It also demonstrated the social impact these social entrepreneurs have created through their items/products.
Check out on the symposium booklet
Symposium Booklet
Click Link to watch the Social Entrepreneurship Symposium Documentary: