GEN Uganda Hosts Exclusive Business Networking Dinner with Jeff Hoffman
Strengthening Uganda’s Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Through Global Insights
On February 25, 2025, GEN Uganda, in partnership with Enterprise Uganda, hosted a high-profile business networking dinner at the Sheraton Hotel, Kampala, featuring Jeff Hoffman, Chairman of GEN Global and founder of Booking.com. The event provided a unique opportunity for Uganda’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, business leaders, and financial institutions to engage in a conversation on scaling businesses, global market access, and investment readiness.
The evening brought together key stakeholders, including leading banks such as Cairo Bank, ABSA Bank, DFCU Bank, Equity Bank, and the National Social Security Fund (NSSF), along with prominent entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship support organizations.
Opening the Evening: Setting the Agenda for Business Growth
The event commenced with a welcome address by Charles Ocici, Executive Director of Enterprise Uganda, who outlined the objectives of the gathering. He highlighted the critical role of ecosystem partnerships, government support, and investor collaboration in accelerating the growth of Uganda’s small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
Charles Mbire, Chairman of MTN Uganda, then took the stage to share insights from his journey as one of Uganda’s most successful business leaders. His address emphasized the importance of strategic investments, calculated risk-taking, and building businesses with a long-term vision. He noted that strong leadership and adaptability are key to navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship in emerging markets.
Jeff Hoffman’s Keynote: How Ugandan Entrepreneurs Can Compete Globally
Jeff Hoffman delivered a powerful keynote address, focusing on how Ugandan businesses can scale beyond local markets. Drawing from his experience as a serial entrepreneur, investor, and global business strategist, Hoffman underscored three fundamental pillars of business growth:
Building Scalable Business Models – Entrepreneurs must design their businesses to grow beyond borders, ensuring they can adapt to different markets and economic conditions.
Attracting and Retaining the Best Talent – Success hinges on human capital, and business leaders must prioritize hiring, training, and retaining exceptional talent.
The Power of Purpose and Giving Back – Entrepreneurship is not just about profit; businesses that create meaningful impact in communities have greater sustainability and long-term success.
Hoffman also shared his philanthropic journey, highlighting his work with two orphanages in Uganda. He noted that business success enables entrepreneurs to contribute to society, reinforcing the idea that profitable businesses can also be forces for good.
Panel Discussion: Overcoming Challenges in Business Expansion
Following his keynote, a Q&A panel discussion was held, featuring:
Jeff Hoffman, Chairman of GEN Global
Charles Mbire, Chairman of MTN Uganda
Charles Ocici, Executive Director of Enterprise Uganda
The panel was moderated by Rosemary Mutyabule, and covered key topics such as:
Access to global markets and international funding
Challenges in scaling Ugandan businesses
The role of mentorship and business networks in driving success
Entrepreneurs in attendance actively engaged in the discussion, seeking insights on funding opportunities, expansion strategies, and leveraging Uganda’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Closing Remarks: A Commitment to Strengthening the Business Landscape
The evening concluded with a vote of thanks from Joseph Enyimu, Commissioner at the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development (MoFPED). He emphasized the government’s commitment to entrepreneurship development and commended GEN Uganda and Enterprise Uganda for fostering such impactful engagements.
A Lasting Impact: Strengthening Uganda’s Business Community
The Exclusive Business Networking Dinner with Jeff Hoffman not only reinforced Uganda’s position as a growing hub for entrepreneurship but also highlighted the importance of global connections, investment readiness, and strategic mentorship.
As GEN Uganda and Enterprise Uganda continue to drive initiatives that connect Ugandan businesses with international opportunities, events like this will play a vital role in shaping the country’s economic future.
Here is a highlight to the event : YouTube
