Africa-Press – Uganda. dfcu Bank, MTN Uganda, and partners have launched the second cohort of the Advancing Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) Programme, opening applications to women-led businesses across Uganda.
The initiative, supported by MTN Mobile Money Uganda, ATC Uganda, and The Innovation Village, aims to expand women’s participation in high-value sectors through financing, capacity building, and access to procurement opportunities.
The new cohort builds on the impact of the first phase, which ran over three years and strengthened the role of women in Uganda’s business landscape.
More than 40 women-led enterprises secured procurement contracts worth Shs18 billion, surpassing the programme’s initial target of Shs15 billion.
Over the same period, the share of women-led suppliers in MTN Uganda’s procurement system increased from 0.3 percent to 15 percent—a milestone seen by partners as a significant step toward more inclusive sourcing.
Launched in 2023 under MTN Uganda’s Environmental, Social and Governance agenda, the AWE Programme focuses on sectors where women have traditionally had limited participation, including telecom infrastructure, digital innovation, and green energy.
In its first phase, 118 women-led enterprises received mentorship, technical training, and financial support. dfcu Bank facilitated over Shs1.6 billion in subsidised loans to strengthen working capital, procurement readiness, and business expansion.
Participants also completed more than 30 training modules covering procurement, financial management, ESG compliance, and operational excellence.
During the unveiling of the second cohort, dfcu Bank’s Chief Retail Banking Officer, Annette Kiconco, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs. “Enabling women to enter high-value sectors contributes to a more resilient and inclusive national economy,” she said.
Her remarks were echoed by partner organisations. MTN Uganda CEO Sylvia Mulinge noted:
“AWE proves that the deliberate inclusion of women entrepreneurs drives measurable business and social value. By integrating women into strategic projects—from solar installations to digital solutions—we are accelerating inclusive growth.”
ATC Uganda CEO Dorothy Kabagambe Ssemanda emphasised the initiative’s broader impact:
“Empowering women entrepreneurs is key to shaping Uganda’s digital and infrastructure transformation. Through AWE, we provide both opportunities and technical mentorship.”
FutureLab CEO at The Innovation Village, Arthur Mukembo, highlighted women’s role in innovation-driven growth:
“Women innovators fuel ecosystem growth and job creation. AWE ensures they have the tools and networks needed to scale.”
The second cohort of AWE will run until December 20, 2025 and is open to women entrepreneurs across Northern, Eastern, Western, and Central Uganda.
The programme targets businesses in information technology, network infrastructure, digital innovation, marketing, solar and green energy, facility management, commercial services, and professional consulting.
To qualify, enterprises must be at least 50 percent women-owned, have been operational for at least one year, and earn annual revenues of at least Shs60 million.
They must also hold a valid tax compliance certificate and demonstrate active participation of women in management.
Preference will be given to SMEs, youth-led businesses, and enterprises owned by women with disabilities.
Selected participants will receive access to procurement opportunities within MTN Uganda and its partner network, mentorship, business development support, ESG training, subsidised financing through dfcu Bank, entrepreneurship incubation, and free MTN Business Internet to support digital operations.
Eligible women entrepreneurs can apply via the AWE platform on MTN website. Application documents include a certificate of incorporation, proof of women ownership, financial statements, business registration details, a tax compliance certificate, and a company profile.
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