Simplifi Networks, a leading enterprise networking and connectivity solutions provider in East Africa, has partnered with Purple Skills Klinic to host an engaging Entrepreneurship Masterclass aimed at strengthening digital competencies and nurturing an entrepreneurial mindset among young people.
The session brought together over 100 students enrolled in the 10X Program—a collaborative initiative with the Mastercard Foundation, Women in Technology, Refactory, and Outbox that focuses on enabling young women to access dignified work within the digital economy—as well as participants from the Kamwokya Boy Child Program, supported by Rotary and hosted at Purple Skills Klinic in Bukoto. Both initiatives place strong emphasis on digital skills as a pathway to economic empowerment.
Led by Simplifi Networks CEO, Ken Stober, the masterclass explored the practical realities of starting and growing a business in Uganda. Drawing from his personal journey of building Simplifi Networks into a leading value-added provider in the region, Stober spoke candidly about resilience, innovation, and the challenges involved in scaling a successful enterprise. He also urged participants to stay abreast of evolving technology trends to remain competitive and relevant in the job market.
Reaffirming Simplifi Networks’ dedication to skills development and youth empowerment, Stober noted that the partnership with Purple Skills Klinic is designed to strengthen linkages between the private and public sectors, ensuring young people acquire skills aligned with industry needs. He emphasized his passion for sharing private-sector knowledge to help shape the competencies employers are actively seeking.
To further support hands-on learning, Simplifi Networks announced a donation of 10 digital tablets to Purple Skills Klinic, enabling students to practically apply their skills and enhance their learning experience.
The impact of the training was strongly felt among participants. Mwesigwa Nana Pearl, a Graphics Design student at Purple Skills Klinic, shared that the session reignited her motivation to grow her fashion startup, Pearl Fashions. She noted that hearing firsthand accounts of perseverance and long-term growth from the Simplifi Networks team restored her confidence and belief in her entrepreneurial journey.
Purple Skills Klinic Foundation also emphasized the importance of partnering with industry leaders to deliver real-world, practitioner-led learning. According to Douglas Lwanga, Founder of Purple Skills Klinic, such collaborations expose young professionals to emerging trends while allowing them to learn directly from experienced industry players. He added that Simplifi Networks’ contribution of digital tools significantly strengthens the foundation’s ability to prepare graduates for employment.
Overall, the partnership reflects a shared commitment by Simplifi Networks and Purple Skills Klinic to building a skilled, resilient, and competitive workforce—equipped with the technical and professional competencies needed to thrive in Uganda’s growing digital economy.
