The highly anticipated NINJA Acceleration Programme for Growth Stage Startups concluded with a grand Demo Day in Kampala, marking the successful completion of this transformative three-month initiative on February 25, 2025. Launched in September 2024, this programme was a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives (MTIC) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), in partnership with AAIC and Hindsight Ventures. It was designed to empower Ugandan startups by equipping them with world-class mentorship, resources, and strategic connections to scale their businesses regionally and globally.
The NINJA Acceleration Programme was conceived with a clear vision: to enable Ugandan startups to refine their business models, strengthen their financial strategies, and expand their market reach. Out of 130 applications, only 10 promising startups were selected, reflecting the highly competitive nature of the programme. These startups engaged in 20 intensive workshops, 45 one-on-one mentoring sessions, and 13 industry visits. The participants also benefitted from over 50 hours of direct engagement with international mentors, ensuring they were well-prepared for investment and business expansion.
A key highlight of the programme was the regional immersion tour, which saw the 10 startups visit Nairobi, Kenya, from November 25–29, 2024, during Kenya Innovation Week and Latitude59. Three standout startups were further selected to visit Tokyo, Japan, from February 17–21, 2025, gaining exposure to global innovation ecosystems and networking with investors and industry experts.
The grand Demo Day, an exclusive in-person event, served as a platform for the 10 startups to present their ventures to an esteemed audience comprising industry representatives, investors, experienced entrepreneurs, and media professionals. This event not only showcased the progress and potential of each startup but also provided an opportunity for strategic partnerships and investment decisions.
Honouring the success of the programme, the Minister of Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives extended heartfelt gratitude to the partners and collaborators who played a pivotal role in making the initiative a reality. In his address, the Commissioner and Head of the Department of Processing and Marketing, Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives (MTIC), Dr. Joshua Mutambi on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, MTIC commended JICA for its unwavering support toward Uganda’s development agenda and lauded Hindsight Ventures for the meticulous implementation of the accelerator programme. Special appreciation was also given to the mentors, investors, and industry experts whose guidance and networks helped shape the success of the startups.
Speaking at the event, Dr Joshua Mutambi emphasised that startups are the backbone of a thriving economy, playing a crucial role in job creation, innovation, and sustainable development. With over 70% of Uganda’s population under the age of 30, empowering young entrepreneurs is a national priority.
“The Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives, in collaboration with other government agencies, is committed to creating an enabling environment for startups to flourish. Through initiatives like the NINJA Acceleration Programme, we are building a robust pipeline of investment-ready businesses that can attract both local and global investors,” Mutambi stated.
Investors and industry leaders in attendance were encouraged to seize the opportunity to partner with the startups, recognising their potential to contribute to Uganda’s GDP and drive long-term economic transformation.
The success of the programme has reinforced the importance of structured support for Ugandan startups. As the Demo Day wrapped up, MTIC reaffirmed its commitment to fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship through continued policy development and ecosystem-enabling initiatives. The Ministry highlighted the need for sustained collaboration with development partners and private sector players to ensure that Uganda’s startup landscape continues to thrive.
The NINJA Acceleration Programme has set a benchmark for future entrepreneurial development programmes in Uganda. The journey for these startups does not end here; rather, it marks the beginning of greater opportunities, partnerships, and groundbreaking innovations that will shape the future of Uganda’s economy.
As the event concluded, the message was clear: Uganda is poised to become a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, and programmes like NINJA are playing a critical role in turning that vision into reality. The success stories that emerge from this cohort will serve as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs across the country.
The NINJA Acceleration Programme has not only empowered Uganda’s entrepreneurs but has also set the stage for a more dynamic and investment-friendly startup ecosystem. With the unwavering support of MTIC, JICA, AAIC, and Hindsight Ventures, Uganda is on a clear path to fostering a new generation of globally competitive startups. As stakeholders rally behind this momentum, the impact of the programme will continue to be felt in the years to come.
