Enhancing Digital Business Opportunities for Youths in Eastern Uganda FAQs
Overview of the project.
Who is ACWICT?
The African Centre for Women, Information and Communications Technology (ACWICT) is a pioneering ICT4D organization committed to empowering women and girls from marginalized and underserved communities to thrive in the digital economy. Since its founding in 2001, ACWICT has championed gender inclusion and sustainable development through innovative ICT solutions. By addressing the gender digital divide, ACWICT enables women and youth to access skills, opportunities, and livelihoods that support meaningful participation in the digital era.
What is the project about?
How does the project align with other digital strategies?
What are the main goals of the project?
Who can apply?
Key Project Areas
The project focuses on the following thematic areas aimed at building digital capacity, fostering entrepreneurship, and improving employment outcomes among youth, women, PWDs, and general citizens:
1. Foundational Digital Literacy Skills
This component targets general citizens by:
- Creating digital awareness.
- Training participants to access digital opportunities such as:
- Business and trade/market platforms.
- Government e-services.
Digital services in agriculture, health, education, and civic information. - Digital employment opportunities.
2. Basic Digital Literacy Skills
This track focuses on identifying and training young people with essential digital and life skills. The modules include training on digital devices, productivity tools, online communication, video production, and remote work skills. Participants will also gain knowledge in online business, cyber hygiene, e-waste management, leadership, and mental health and nutrition. These modules are designed to prepare youth, women, and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) for meaningful participation in the digital economy.
3. Digital Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Employability
This component identifies and supports skilled, talented youth through a targeted recruitment process (both online and offline). It aims to incubate scalable youth-led businesses through the following specialized tracks:
a) Agripreneurship Track
The Agripreneurship track blends agriculture with entrepreneurship to enhance food systems through value addition, agritech solutions, and sustainable farming practices.
Key Characteristics:
- Focus on value addition beyond traditional farming
- Integration of technology (e.g., precision farming, Climate smart practices, AI-based advisory)
- Increased Market Access (e.g Digital and eCommerce Marketing platforms)
- Involvement in agri-based startups, food processing, and sustainable practices
Opportunities:
- Rising demand for food security and sustainability
- Growing support through youth-in-agriculture programs and funding
- Digital platforms enabling market access and extension services
b) Creative Economy Track
A vibrant sector built on culture, storytelling, and digital content creation through music, design, fashion, media, and performing arts. This track equips youth with digital and entrepreneurial skills to monetize their talents.
Key Characteristics:
- Emphasis on originality, storytelling, and artistic expression
- Increasingly digitized through platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Spotify, etc.
- A mix of informal and formal business structures
Opportunities:
- Monetization of content through ad revenue, partnerships, and merchandise
- Export of African creativity through global streaming platforms
- Creative tech (AR/VR, AI-generated art) opening new dimensions
c) Online Work and Gig Economy Track
A flexible, platform-driven labour model enabling freelance and short-term work across digital platforms—spanning creative, technical, and administrative tasks.
Key Characteristics:
- Flexible work arrangements
- Income from multiple clients or platforms
- Common among youth and digital-savvy individuals
Opportunities:
- Low barrier to entry for many digital skills (e.g., graphic design, writing, programming
- Expansion of remote and cross-border freelance work
- Potential for side hustles and income diversification
d) ICT Services (Private Sector & Technical Careers)
This track focuses on the development, deployment, and maintenance of digital systems and infrastructure—ranging from software development and cybersecurity to data science and cloud computing.
Key Characteristics:
- Includes areas like networking, cybersecurity, software development, tech support, cloud services, and data management
- Backbone for digital transformation across all sectors
- Fast-evolving, skills-intensive industry
Opportunities:
- High demand for IT professionals across sectors
- Growth in managed services, cloud computing, and AI support
- Remote IT services, digital infrastructure development, and e-governance
E) Knowledge Products and Publications
To promote learning, policy influence, and wider dissemination of project insights, the project will support the creation and publication of:
1. Policy briefs
2. Journal articles
3. White papers
4. Webinars
5. YouTube videos
6. A dedicated research website
These knowledge products will document best practices, capture lessons learned, and foster dialogue among stakeholders in digital development and youth empowerment.
Project Partnerships
British High Commission Kampala. (BHC)
The UK government supports international development through long-term partnerships. These are tailored to the needs of each country the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office works with, built on mutual accountability and transparency. Sustainable development is central to UK foreign policy, and we are working to go further and faster to reduce poverty globally.
African Center of Technologies for Inclusive Participation Initiative LTD (ACTIP)
ACTIP is a registered community-based organization that was established in 2023 and officially registered in 2025, dedicated to bridging the digital divide by equipping women, youth, and persons with disabilities (PWDs) with inclusive and practical ICT skills. Founded to promote social and economic empowerment through technology, ACTIP implements training programs, community outreach, and digital inclusion initiatives across Eastern Uganda and beyond.
Busia Women Cross Border Traders Cooperative Union (BWCBTCU)
Busia women cross borders traders cooperative union began as an association in 2010 November by a membership of 46 women cross border traders who were facing all forms of violence that included sexual harassments, physical and emotional abuses as a result of using porous routes. These women came together after going through a training facilitated by EASSI, that a waken them to realize that 80% of informal cross border trade was being done by women who were struggling to make livelihood and fend for their families. The major purpose of the union is : To bring all marginalized women and youths traders together to have one strong voice in advocating for their human and trade rights, bridge the information gap by building individual cross border women and youth groups and organizations on economic benefits of East African Community, operation of border business procedures policies and formal management across all the border points of Uganda.
Training for Women, Youth and PWDs
Courses Offered to Women, Youth and PWDs
The beneficiaries will be trained on the following 12 Basic Digital Skills courses which follow the ICT Authority’s Smart Academy curriculum. This course is called the Basic Digital Skills. The Basic Digital Skills training is free for all participants who are selected and trained by ACWICT. If a participant needs to be certified by the government, then they will need to pay KES 500 to the ICT Authority of Kenya through the SmartAcademy.go.ke. The certification has been subsidised from KES 2500/ USH 75,000 to KES 500/ USH 15,000.
- Digital Devices in a Digital Workspace.
- Skills in Basic Productivity Tools.
- Communication and Collaboration.
- Accessing Government Services & Youth Opportunities.
- Basic Video Production and Editing.
- Learning Online.
- Basic Online Work Skills.
- Online Business & Digital Entrepreneurship.
- Cyber Hygiene for Workers.
- Basic E-Waste Management.
- Health (Mental Health) and Nutrition Skills.
Training and Certification
Is certification mandatory?
No, the certificate is optional. It is only for those who wish to undertake the assessment and get a certificate from the ICT Authority’s (ICTA) at a cost of KES 500/ USH 15,000 and NOT by ACWICT. More information available at:SmartAcademy.go.ke
Why is there a fee for certification?
What is the value of certification if I already have skills?
How is the assessment process conducted?
Internet Bundle Support and Facilitation
Are we provided with internet bundles for training?
Yes, each participant will receive a one-off KES 500/ USH 15,000 bundle to facilitate the online training. Bundles will only be given to students who attend the classes and fill out the surveys that have been shared in the onboarding email.
What if the provided bundles aren’t enough?
Participants are encouraged to utilize the weekly and daily bundles provided by Safaricom, Airtel, and Telkom for optimal data usage. (ACWICT is offering the training while ICTA does the certification.)
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Network
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Daily Bundle (KES 100/USH 3000)
|
Weekly Bundle (KES 500/USH 15,000)
|
|---|---|---|
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Airtel
|
2 GB + Free WhatsApp
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6.5 GB + Free WhatsApp
|
|
Safaricom
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500MB + 500 SMS + WhatsApp
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3 GB + WhatsApp
|
|
Telkom
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2GB data + 2GB Night bundle + Free WhatsApp + 60 Telkom Mins
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5 GB + Free WhatsApp
|
Why are data bundles provided but certification isn’t free?
Internet bundles are provided to ensure access for all participants during training. Certification is administered by ICT Authority’s (ICTA) , which charges a fee for this service.
When are we getting airtime?
Participants will be sent a one-off KES500/ USH 15,000 airtime to cater for bundles to participate in the online training over the next 4 days for the students. Please note that this will be for participants who will be available and ready to undertake the course.
Will the airtime be sent as M-PESA/MTN?
The connection facilitation will be sent as internet data bundles, based on the contact mobile number you used to apply and register for the course across all networks.
Code of Conduct for Project Participants
Introduction
ACWICT is committed to providing a welcoming, safe, and inclusive environment for all participants, including attendees, whether physical or virtual. This Code of Conduct outlines our expectations for participant behaviour as well as the consequences for unacceptable behaviour. It applies to all ACWICT events, including any other gatherings organised, hosted, or sponsored by ACWICT. ACWICT supports a culture of reciprocal respect and does not tolerate discrimination or harassment in any form.
1, Purpose
The purpose of this Code of Conduct is to ensure that all ACWICT projects, events are a safe space for collaboration, sharing of knowledge, interaction and networking. We seek to foster a safe and productive meeting environment where everyone, regardless of affiliation, background or identity, can participate fully and freely without fear of harassment or discrimination.
2. Scope
This Code of Conduct applies to all participants at ACWICT projects, events, including but not limited to: attendees, speakers, moderators, panelists, guests, volunteers, organisers, sponsors, exhibitors, and staff. It applies to all forms of communication and interaction, both in-person and online, including event-related social media activity.
ACWICT events include virtual and physical events including but not limited to: meetings, conferences, roundtables, receptions, technical events, expert meetings, workshops, trainings, exhibits, side events, and any other forum organised, hosted or sponsored in whole or part by ACWICT wherever it takes place.
3. Expected Behaviour
All participants are expected to:
- Treat everyone with respect, courtesy, and consideration. Do not engage in harassment, discrimination, or demeaning behaviour.
- Be mindful of your language and behaviour. Be inclusive and welcoming to all participants, regardless of their background, identity, or personal characteristics.
- Engage constructively, contribute positively to discussions, respect differing viewpoints, and engage in dialogue that is respectful and productive.
- Communicate openly and thoughtfully with others, listen well to others, and be considerate of the multitude of views and opinions that are different from your own.
- Respect the privacy of other participants and the confidentiality of discussions where applicable.
- Comply with local laws, venue regulations, and organisational policies, including those related to health and safety.
- Abide by standards of integrity and professional ethics.
- Report conduct concerns promptly.
4. Unacceptable Behaviour
Unacceptable behaviour includes, but is not limited to:
- Any form of harassment, including but not limited to verbal, physical, or sexual harassment, intimidation, or abuse.
- Discriminatory remarks or behaviour based on race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, age, religion, or any other characteristic.
- Threats or acts of violence, including physical assault, intimidation, or threatening language.
- Sustained disruption of talks, presentations, or other event activities, whether in person or online.
- Unwanted physical contact, sexual attention, or advances.
- Displaying or distributing inappropriate or offensive images or materials.
- Violations of others’ privacy by taking photographs, recordings, or screenshots of individual’s communications without consent.
- Consumption or possession of illegal narcotics of any form under any circumstances.
- General misconduct, including bullying, creating disturbance, disruptive or offensive behaviour, breaching professional boundaries and any activity that threatens the safety of others.
- Knowingly making false or misleading claims about prohibited conduct.
5. Consequences of Unacceptable Behaviour
ACWICT reserves the right to take any action it deems appropriate in response to unacceptable behaviour, including but not limited to:
- Requesting that the offender immediately stop their offensive behaviour.
- Issuing a formal warning to the participant.
- Removal of the participant from the event.
- Barring the participant from future ACWICT events.
- Reporting the behaviour to the employer or local authorities if necessary.
6. Reporting Procedures
If you experience or witness unacceptable behaviour, please document and report it as soon as possible. Reports can be made to:
- Event Organisers: Contact any member of the ACWICT team in person or via the event’s communication channels.
- Designated Contact: A designated contact person for reporting incidents will be identified at the onset of each project. Contact information will be provided in project materials.
- Complaints Channel: Reports may be emailed to complaints informationcentre@acwict.org
All reports will be handled in a prompt, confidential, impartial, nondiscriminatory, and in a constructive and sensitive manner. The identity of the person reporting an incident will be kept confidential unless otherwise required by law or requested by the individual. Complaints may be made without fear of reprisal.
7. Response to Reports
ACWICT is committed to addressing all reports of unacceptable behaviour fairly and promptly. The response process will typically include:
- Acknowledging receipt of the report.
- Conducting an investigation into the reported behaviour.
- Determining and implementing appropriate actions based on the findings of the investigation.
- Communicating the outcome of the investigation and the actions taken to the person who made the report.
8. Appeals
Participants who believe they have been wrongly accused of unacceptable behaviour may appeal the decision. Appeals should be submitted in writing to the ACWICT complaints channel within 7 days of the decision.
9. Prohibition of retaliation
Retaliation against those who file a report or have filed a report after witnessing an incident is prohibited. Threats, intimidation and any other form of retaliation are not tolerated and ACWICT or another entity responsible for a ACWICT event will take any reasonable and appropriate action needed to prevent and respond to retaliation, in accordance with applicable policy, rules and regulations.
10. Amendments
This Code of Conduct may be amended or updated from time to time to reflect changes in best practices or organisational needs. Participants will be informed of any significant changes.
11. Declaration
Before registering for, attending or participating in a ACWICT event – whether virtually or in person –you must be in a position to agree to the following declaration:
- I have read carefully and understand the above Code of Conduct for projects
- I hereby agree to abide by its requirements and commit to upholding the safeguarding principles and standards of conduct required.
I declare that:
- I am not currently suspended due to an investigation by either my employer or ACWICT.
- I have not had allegations of harassment, discrimination or sexual misconduct upheld.
- I have not previously been found to have violated any of the behaviours outlined in this Code of Conduct.
- I have not received sanctions by the ACWICT which prevent me from participating in this meeting or event.
In the event of a violation of this Code of Conduct, I accept that:
- My organisation (if relevant) may be notified of the violation and proposed course of action.
- Support may be withdrawn from me to attend the event, and I may not be invited to future events.
- ACWICT is not liable or responsible for any legal actions brought against me and I will be responsible for all legal costs in such circumstances.
This Code of Conduct serves as a guiding document to ensure that ACWICT events are constructive, safe, and inclusive. All participants are encouraged to contribute to maintaining this standard.
Privacy Notice
Our Commitment
ACWICT (African Centre for Women Information and Communications Technology) is dedicated to safeguarding your privacy and ensuring that your personal data is protected. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, and protect your personal information in compliance with the Data Protection Act, 2019 (Kenya). By interacting with us, whether online, in person, or through any of our services, you agree to the terms outlined in this policy.
About us
ACWICT is a multi-stakeholder Think Tank for ICT policy and regulation which is a catalyst for reform in the Information and Communication Technology sector. ACWICT, is a trust registered in Kenya, is the entity that determines how and why your data is processed. As part of our work, we engage in research, events, training, advocacy, and collaboration with various stakeholders. This means that ACWICT is the ‘controller’ of your data. Therefore, this policy applies to all the personal data we collect through these activities.
1. Personal Data Collected
Personal data means any information that can be used to identify an individual. We collect and process personal data necessary for the operation of our services, including:
- Personal Identification Information: Name, gender, disability status, age, financial and payment information, postal and physical addresses, email address, phone number, and other contact details.
- Professional Information: Job title, organisation, stakeholder groups, and areas of interest or expertise.
- Event Participation Data: Information related to your registration, attendance, and feedback at our events, workshops, and training sessions.
- Research Data: Information you provide through surveys, interviews, or other research activities.
- Communication Data: Emails, phone calls, and other communication records between you and ACWICT.
- Social Media Information: Data collected through interactions with our social media platforms.
- Financial Data: Payment information for services or donations, including billing address and transaction details.
- Technical Data: IP address, browser type, and other data automatically collected when you visit our website.
2. How We Use Your Personal Data
The personal data we collect is used for the following purposes:
- Service Delivery: To provide you with information, services, or products that you request from us.
- Communication: To respond to queries, send you updates, newsletters, and other relevant communications.
- Event Management: To manage your participation in our events, workshops, and training sessions.
- Research and Advocacy: To conduct research and analysis for policy development and advocacy purposes.
- Payment Processing: To process payments, monitor transactions and donations.
- Security: To protect our IT systems and data against unauthorised access and breaches.
- Compliance: To comply with legal obligations and regulatory requirements.
- Online Performance: To monitor website performance and implement updates.
3. Legal Basis for Processing
We process your personal data based on one or more of the following legal grounds:
- You have given us your consent to process your data for specific purposes.
- Processing is necessary for the performance of a contract with you or to take steps at your request before entering into a contract.
- Processing is necessary for compliance with a legal obligation to which we are subject.
- Processing is necessary for the legitimate interests of ACWICT, provided those interests are not overridden by your rights and interests.
4.Data Sharing and Disclosure
ACWICT treats all personal data as strictly confidential. Your data will be collected and processed primarily by our staff. Access to your personal data is limited to staff who have a legitimate need to see it for the purpose of carrying out their job at ACWICT. We do not sell, rent or trade your data for any purposes to third parties. We may share your personal data with third parties in the following circumstances:
- We may share your data with third-party service providers who assist us with IT services, payment processing, logistics, event management, and other operational needs.
- We may share your data with our partners and collaborators for joint events, research, and advocacy projects.
- We may disclose your data to comply with legal obligations or to protect our rights and interests.
- We may share your data with third parties when you have provided explicit consent for such sharing.
We require all third parties to respect the security of your personal data and to treat it by the law. We do not allow our third-party service providers to use your personal data for their own purposes – we only permit them to process your personal data for specified purposes and in accordance with our instructions.
5. Security of Personal Data
We take appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your personal data against unauthorised access, loss, misuse or disclosure. These measures include encryption, access controls, and regular security audits.
6. Your Rights
You have the following rights concerning your personal data:
- The right to request access to the personal data we hold about you.
- The right to be informed about what your personal data will be used for.
- The right to request the correction of inaccurate or incomplete data.
- The right to request the deletion of your personal data under certain conditions.
- The right to request the restriction of data processing under certain conditions.
- The right to receive your data in a structured, commonly used, and machine-readable format.
- The right to object to the processing of your data based on legitimate interests.
- The right to withdraw your consent at any time for processing based on consent.
To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the details provided in the “Contact Us” section below.
7. Children’s Privacy
Our services are generally not intended for children under the age of 18, and we do not knowingly collect personal data from children without parental consent. However, if we need to collect personal data from a child under the age of 18, the parental consent of the parent or guardian shall be obtained.
8. International transfers
Where we transfer your personal data outside Kenya, we ensure that appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your data, such as using Standard Contractual Clauses or equivalent mechanisms.
9. Data Retention
We retain your personal data only for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes for which it was collected or as required by law. When your data is no longer needed, we will securely delete or
anonymize it. We will keep your personal data according to the Records Retention Schedule.
10.Complaints
If you wish to exercise any of these rights, please contact our Data Protection Officer
through vindimuli@acwict.org
11. Privacy Policy Updates
We may update this External Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. When we make significant changes, we will notify you through our website or other communication channels.
Safeguarding Complaint Form
ACWICT is committed to fostering a safe and respectful environment for all staff, partners, beneficiaries, and stakeholders. This form provides a confidential channel to report any safeguarding concerns, including harassment, abuse, exploitation, or misconduct.
All reports will be treated with the utmost confidentiality, and retaliation against anyone who raises a
concern is strictly prohibited. Complaints will be reviewed by ACWICT’s designated safeguarding officer, and appropriate action will be taken in accordance with our Safeguarding Policy.
If you are in immediate danger or require urgent assistance, please contact local authorities or emergency services before submitting this form. By submitting the information requested, you consent to our collection and processing of the information for the specific purpose outlined above. In case of any queries regarding this request, email:
informationcentre@acwict.org
LINK TO THE FORM: https://forms.gle/aGVXNZdVZW1J26Ei8
Additional Information
How do I resolve system issues during onboarding?
Follow the onboarding guide provided. If technical issues persist, raise your concerns through the helpdesk or Cohort WhatsApp group.
How long is each class session?
The schedule, including class duration and timing, will be provided on the onboarding letter.
What happens if you miss a class?
You will have an opportunity to retake the class that you have missed in the subsequent cohort intake. For instance, if you missed Skills in Basic Productivity Tools course, you will only do that course and not all the 12 modules. Take NOTE, no data will be facilitated for this.
Is this training a scam?
No, this is a verified training initiative supported by ACWICT, UK Digital Access Programme, and British High Commission Kampala.
Code of Conduct for Meetings and Events
ACWICT is committed to providing a welcoming, safe, and inclusive environment for all participants, including attendees, whether physical or virtual. This code of conduct outlines our expectations for participant behaviour as well as the consequences for unacceptable behaviour. It applies to all ACWICT events, including any other gatherings organised, hosted, or sponsored by ACWICT. ACWICT supports a culture of reciprocal respect and does not tolerate discrimination or harassment in any form. If you feel you have kindly, fill the Safeguarding Complaint Form.
For any additional questions or clarification, please contact the ACWICT help desk at
informationcentre@acwict.org
