Minister Musenero on Driving Economic Impact Through Science and Technology
World Business Journal talks to Hon. Monica Musenero Masanza, Minister of the Secretariat for Science, Technology, and Innovation, about bridging the gap between knowledge and market application to ensure that innovation visibly contributes to the economy. The discussion also covers how import data is used to analyse and prioritise products for local manufacturing and innovation, along with the latest updates on the Journey Program.
How have scientific research, technological advancements, and innovative practices influenced economic progress?
Previously, science was primarily viewed through research, lacking a clear link to economic development. Now, we have clarified how research institutions, like universities and the Uganda Virus Research Institute, can intentionally drive economic growth. Facilities like Lwera have been established to bridge the gap between knowledge and market application. We now understand the process of transforming ideas into market-ready products, from conceptualisation to manufacturing and mass production, ensuring that innovations contribute effectively to the economy. As of June 2024, we contributed over $26M to the economy through our STI products and created a total of 50,000 jobs over the past four years, aiming to significantly amplify our impact moving forward.
How do you identify market gaps and prioritise products for local manufacturing?
We collaborate with government agencies to analyse import data, and our goal is to reduce our importation index from over 90% to 60%.
Our 3 key performance indicators are import substitution, export complexity, and productivity acceleration. We have encouraged institutions like Makerere University and the National Agriculture Research Organisation (NARO) to adopt a commercialisation mindset, allowing them to package and market their innovative products rather than just distribute them for subsistence farming. This shift is fostering economic growth by linking research with industry, resulting in successful exports and building trust in local capabilities.
Which companies have achieved maturity in their development phases through the Journey programme?
Kira Motors is now in phase three. We have marketed products and established the E-Bus Xpress, which is currently in service and generating income. The team is expanding and transitioning from a research focus to a professional manufacturing operation with an automated system. We now offer various models tailored to client needs and are actively seeking export markets to develop a mature brand. We’re committed to monitoring our technology to ensure reliability, having achieved a combined mileage of 700,000 km with our buses.
The Banana Project has received ISO certification and is adapting technology to boost export capacity. Currently, there is no automated machine for peeling matooke, which limits our volume despite high-quality products. We are developing a prototype machine with sensors for each banana finger, expected to be ready by year-end. This innovation could increase productivity tenfold at our pilot plant. We are in early phase three of this project.
Microhaem, Uganda’s first WHO-approved malaria diagnostic kit company, is expanding into HIV and TB diagnostics. This approval boosts our credibility and attracts support.
Dei BioPharma is advancing to phase four, built on mature technologies and currently navigating regulatory approvals after manufacturing trial batches. They plan to supply the Ugandan government and aim for exports to neighbouring countries, starting with generics before moving into antibiotics, biosimilars, cancer drugs, and mRNA vaccines
