3. STRATEGIC TASKS 3.1 Safe and trusted digital economy Safe and trusted digital economy Develop and implement digital identity to facilitate utilization of e-services Prioritize support for MSMEs The real potential for economic growth and large-scale job creation lies in spreading digital innovations from lead firms to the rest of the economy. The role of governments is to create an environment that enables the many private sector actors to benefit from digitalization. Studies demonstrate that broadband penetration and broadband quality are important factors for economic growth. They also reveal the economic impact of broadband deployment directly through jobs created by deploying broadband infrastructure, and indirectly by increased productivity and the creation of new products and services. According to a World Bank study, it is estimated that for every 10% increase in broadband penetration in low- and middle-income countries, there is a commensurate increase of 1.38% of the GDP [6]. 3.1.1 Implement PKI and e-Signature Government will make effort to create an online environment that is safe and trusted by society and businesses. The vision is a user-friendly digital ecosystem where the security of personal and sensitive data and information is assured, and users’ rights are protected. To improve the trust and confidence towards digital transactions and e-services, the Government will enforce the adoption and implementation of digital standards, laws and regulations that ensure security of online transactions Uganda has taken steps towards a safer service environment. The Electronic Signature Act 2011 together with relevant regulations provide a framework for the provisions and use of electronic signatures. The Act regulates the use of advanced electronic signatures, digital signatures and the use of third-party certification systems, such as a public key infrastructure (PKI), for the purposes of securing information conveyed over the internet and authenticating or certifying electronic signatures. Government of Uganda through NITA-U is implementing the UgPass pilot project, a new digital authentication and electronic signatures´solution for Uganda which will activate use of PKI services. A public key infrastructure (PKI) is a set of roles, policies, and procedures needed to create, manage, distribute, use, store, and revoke digital certificates and manage public-key encryption. The purpose of a PKI is to facilitate the secure electronic transfer of information for a range of network activities such as e-commerce, internet banking and confidential email. Uganda will take advantage of rapid advances in digital technology to establish national digital ID platforms or systems that serve the whole nation, including enterprises. Digital ID and signature are vital components of the modern economy, without which digital transformation will be impossible. 17 (43) [Draft Version for stakeholder consultation]