Growing Uganda’s global tech presence through international partnerships
Uganda’s IT sector is gaining global recognition; strategic support and international collaborations are creating transformative opportunities for local businesses like Sumic IT Solutions.
Uganda, one of East Africa’s fastest-growing economies, has a dynamic start-up ecosystem in the fintech, food tech, software and data sectors. With access to global accelerator programmes, grants, and events, these start-ups drive economic growth, create high-value jobs, and contribute significantly to national development.
Tech company Sumic IT Solutions, founded in 2019, exemplifies how strategic support can unlock global opportunities. Focused on digital solutions, the company has expanded beyond Africa, securing partnerships with three Japanese firms valued at $30,000 through the International Trade Centre’s Netherlands Trust Fund Phase V (NTF V) FastTrackTech programme.
‘The key factor in our success was Sumic’s participation in the NTF V Export Marketing Plan training and coaching programme in 2023,’ says CEO Cirus Sumika. ‘This prepared my team for international markets by taking us through export audits, tailored market entry strategies, and competitive pricing and promotion tactics. It enabled us to join the Uganda-Japan Connect (UJ-Connect) business matching programme, which led to partnerships with three Japanese firms: Fvital Inc, eftax Co, and Japan AI Consulting Corporation.’
Fvital Inc., for instance, was seeking a partner to develop a smartphone application for a neonatal resuscitation system. ‘We needed a company with strong development expertise and extensive experience,’ says Michiko Kiyokan, head of the company’s Global Health Department, which specializes in contactless biometric technology to deliver personalized solutions for infants. ‘After an online meeting with Cirus Sumika and reviewing information from Sumic IT’s website, we decided to partner with the company.’
Although there were some initial cultural and language challenges, the team maintained progress through a well-defined project scope and clear documentation. Effective communication via Slack, combined with improved microphones and stable Wi-Fi, helped overcome these obstacles. Sumic’s use of human and AI translators, along with its motivation to understand Japanese business culture also helped to smooth the process. While the project is ongoing, the neonatal resuscitation app is an important step in healthcare innovation.
NTF V played a key role in supporting the relationship between Sumic and FVITAL. ‘The programme provided a structured framework, including process guidelines, documentation, contracts, and financial support for this offshore development partnership,’ says Sumika. ‘Combined with the Uganda-Japan Connect business matching initiative, this support enabled us to successfully engage with international partners.’
Some of Sumic’s other key projects include creating the Halo Dish app for halal tourism with eftax Co. and collaborating with Japan AI Consulting Corporation on a proof of concept for AI-based team performance optimisation.
Sumic IT Solutions also presented its solutions at the China International Import Expo (CIIE) thanks to support from NTF V, further strengthening its foothold in Asia. ‘The expo provided opportunities to connect with industry leaders, understand the Chinese market, and explore business prospects across the region,’ says Sumika. ‘Key highlights included a visit to Alibaba Headquarters and securing leads beyond Japan, which is paving the way for future collaborations.’
New revenue sources
These developments have been transformative for Sumic IT Solutions. With 70% of its revenue now coming from Asian markets, the company has achieved substantial financial growth. As a result, Sumic has reinvested in infrastructure, enhancing its technological capabilities and improving operations. The company has also grown its workforce, creating new job opportunities and advancing professional development for local talent in Uganda.
‘These collaborations have elevated Sumic’s global profile, establishing our business as a reliable provider of high-quality digital solutions,’ says the CEO. ‘Our partnerships have strengthened our technological expertise and allowed us to tailor services to the specific needs of international markets.’
Plans to set up overseas office
Looking ahead, Sumic IT Solutions plans to establish its first overseas office in Japan, a strategic move to solidify its presence in Asia. This will allow the company to work more closely with its partners, offer localized support, and pursue new business opportunities in the region. The insights gained from participating at CIIE also encouraged the company to adapt its services for the wider Asian market, including China, where demand for digital transformation solutions is rapidly growing.
These achievements benefit the wider community by creating jobs, improving skills, and setting an example for other businesses. By contributing to the growth of Uganda’s economy and positioning the country as a centre for innovation in the global tech industry, Sumic is showing what can be achieved with strategic support and collaboration. With its growing presence, Sumic plans to support small businesses by delivering solutions that enable digital transformation in Africa and beyond.
About the project
The Netherlands Trust Fund V (NTF) (July 2021 – June 2025) is based on a partnership between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of The Netherlands and the International Trade Centre. The programme supports small businesses in the digital technologies and agribusiness sectors. Its ambition is two-fold: to contribute to an inclusive and sustainable transformation of food systems, partially through digital solutions, and drive the internationalization of tech start-ups and export of IT&BPO companies in selected sub-Saharan African countries.
