From a humble upbringing in Nyarushanje, Rukungiri, to the helm of TechBuzz Hub, Keneth Twesigye’s journey epitomizes the transformative power of curiosity, resilience, and innovation. As a child, Kenneth was captivated by the bustling economic activities in Kampala.
“I remember asking myself, ‘How does someone enter a big shop, pick anything, and walk out safely? What does it take to be like such business owners?,” he recalls himself as a teenager, revealing an early fascination with the mechanics of business and the potential for scale.
These questions laid the foundation for an entrepreneurial spirit that would later shape Uganda’s startup landscape. His early life was marked by a yearning to understand the world beyond his rural upbringing. Kampala, Uganda’s capital, became a “world unlike anything I had ever seen,” sparking questions that would later define his career.
The Birth of an Entrepreneurial Mindset
Keneth’s pivotal moment came during a visit to an uncle in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania. There, he noticed a familiar security company, KK Security, operating across borders.
“How does a company grow from one city to another? What makes it possible?” he wondered. “This was my first realization that businesses could scale beyond cities, and it sparked a new wave of curiosity in me,” he says. Yet, language barriers in Tanzania posed a challenge. Unable to communicate in Kiswahili, he turned to international broadcasts like CNN, BBC, and Discovery Channel, where a documentary on billionaires—Carlos Slim Helu, Bill Gates, Warren Buffett, Mark Zuckerberg, and Steve Jobs—changed his trajectory forever.
“What struck me was that many of these individuals had built their fortunes through technology and innovation,” he explains. “That program was a turning point for me. It shifted my childhood dream from becoming a traditional businessman or engineer to a new aspiration: becoming a computer scientist and innovator,” he says. This newfound ambition led him to Uganda Technology and Management University, where he immersed himself in technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship, participating in hackathons and competitions.
Crucially, he began to contemplate the potential of technology to address the specific challenges facing his community. “How can we use technology to address the problems we face in our communities?” he asked, a question that continues to drive his work.
A Leap of Faith: From Ideas to Action
The validation of his vision came when he secured $5,000 in seed capital from the Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Program while still a university student. “That seed funding was more than just money; it was a vote of confidence in my vision,” Keneth reflects. This “defining moment,” as he describes it, was more than just financial support; it was a powerful affirmation of his ideas. This moment catalyzed his journey into entrepreneurship, culminating in the founding of TechBuzz Hub in 2017. The innovation hub, a coworking space dedicated to nurturing startups, has since become a beacon of entrepreneurial excellence in Africa.
Today, TechBuzz Hub has supported over 12,000 entrepreneurs, providing mentorship and fostering collaboration. Its impact has been profound, with startups scaling their businesses, securing funding, and even clinching international accolades, such as the “Best Coworking Space Globally” title from the Global Startup Awards. “Through TechBuzz Hub, I’ve been able to support young entrepreneurs, provide mentorship, and create opportunities for collaboration,” he says.
Championing Africa’s Startup Ecosystem
Beyond TechBuzz Hub, Keneth has expanded his influence across the continent. As a board member-at-large for AfriLabs and policy lead at Startup Uganda, he champions policies that foster innovation and entrepreneurship. “My interest in the startup ecosystem was sparked by the realization that Africa’s challenges could be addressed through homegrown solutions with African entrepreneurs,” he explains. However, he recognizes that systemic hurdles persist.
“The most pressing challenges include limited access to funding, inadequate infrastructure, and fragmented ecosystems,” he states. “Many startups struggle with scaling due to regulatory hurdles and a lack of technical support and mentorship.” He advocates for collaborative solutions, emphasizing partnerships between governments, private sector players, and development organizations to create funding opportunities, improve infrastructure, and streamline policies. “Platforms like AfriLabs and Startup Uganda play a crucial role in fostering these collaborations,” he adds.
A Vision for Africa’s Future
Looking ahead, Keneth envisions a future where Africa emerges as a global leader in innovation. “I predict significant growth in sectors like fintech, agritech, mobility, and renewable energy, driven by increased investment and collaboration,” he says. He is particularly excited about emerging innovations that are often underreported. “Agritech solutions improving farm productivity, fintech platforms expanding financial inclusion, and renewable energy technologies addressing power shortages are transforming communities, but they don’t receive enough attention,” he notes.
One of his most impactful initiatives has been his work with Startup Uganda, where he has driven policy discussions to improve the regulatory environment for startups. “These experiences have taught me the importance of collaboration, persistence, and the need to address systemic challenges to create lasting impact,” he says.
Advice to Aspiring Entrepreneurs
For young Africans looking to launch their own ventures, Keneth offers a sobering yet inspiring reality check. “Starting up that venture solutioning to the real problem is a game changer. People—the team and other stakeholders—are a precursor for the growth and development of a startup. Finding a great team is not an easy journey but must be a constant process after starting, characterized by failure,” he advises.
His formula for success is simple yet profound: validate your idea with potential customers, surround yourself with mentors, and be prepared to fail and adapt. “Your vision, goals, and ideas are valid only if you pursue them,” he says.
Shaping the Future of African Innovation
Keneth remains committed to shaping Africa’s entrepreneurial future. “I see myself continuing to play a role in shaping this future by advocating for supportive policies across the continent through AfriLabs, mentoring young entrepreneurs, and fostering partnerships that drive ecosystem growth,” he says. His mission is clear: to ensure that Africa’s entrepreneurs, innovators, and ecosystem enablers have the resources and opportunities they need to compete on the global stage.
From a curious child in a remote Ugandan village to a formidable force in Africa’s tech ecosystem, Keneth Twesigye’s journey is a testament to the power of innovation, determination, and the relentless pursuit of a vision. His story is not just about personal success but a rallying call for a continent on the rise.
“Looking back, my journey has been shaped by curiosity, resilience, and a deep belief in the power of technology to transform lives,” he says. And if his trajectory is anything to go by, Africa’s tech renaissance is only just beginning.
