Gov’t to Expand GROW Loan as Demand Surges

The Minister for Gender, Labour, and Social Development, Hon. Betty Amongi, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs under the Generating Growth Opportunities and Productivity for Women Enterprises (GROW) project.

“Many people doubted whether women would receive and properly utilise this money. Seeing you here today is proof that the right target group has been reached,” said Minister Amongi while addressing a gathering of loan beneficiaries from the Kampala Metropolitan Area at Hotel Africana.

“Women in Uganda are leading in entrepreneurship, and it is our responsibility to ensure they get the necessary resources to grow their businesses.”

The minister emphasised that the GROW project is not just about financial support but also includes mentorship, business management training, access to markets, product certification, and technical skills development.

She highlighted that women entrepreneurs face challenges beyond capital, such as limited access to equipment, infrastructure, and market linkages. The project integrates these factors to create a holistic approach to economic empowerment.

Hon. Amongi emphasised the crucial role of women in Uganda’s economic transformation and highlighted the government’s efforts to create an enabling business environment.

She praised the GROW Loan for increasing access to affordable credit for women-led businesses, thus fostering economic inclusion.

“We are committed to ensuring that women entrepreneurs have the resources they need to scale their businesses from micro to small, small to medium, and medium to large enterprises. This is a fundamental step toward achieving economic empowerment and financial independence for women,” said Hon. Amongi.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU), Stephen Asiimwe, echoed these sentiments, stressing that PSFU, in collaboration with the Ministry of Gender and the World Bank, continues to facilitate business growth for women through advocacy, policy support, and business development services.

“This project is structured to provide financial support to business people, ensuring that women entrepreneurs can grow their enterprises sustainably. We have reached every corner of this country to ensure financial inclusion,” Asiimwe stated.

He noted that six financial institutions, including Centenary Bank, Equity Bank, and Finance Trust Bank, are actively participating in the program. So far, the government has disbursed UGX 96.9 billion, with Centenary Bank receiving the largest share of UGX 1.875 billion as of January 2025.

Asiimwe revealed that as of January 31, 2025, a total of 2,017 beneficiaries across the country had accessed GROW Loans, a milestone that reflects the increasing demand for financial support among women entrepreneurs.

The meeting provided an opportunity for beneficiaries to share their experiences and challenges, with many expressing appreciation for the initiative, which has enabled them to expand their businesses.

With the demand for GROW Loans exceeding supply, Hon. Amongi assured attendees that the government is working toward expanding the project to reach more women across the country.

“This is just the beginning. We are determined to see more Ugandan women succeed in business, access markets, and contribute to national development,” she concluded.

The Generating Growth Opportunities and Productivity for Women Enterprises (GROW) Project is a Government of Uganda Project, funded by the World Bank, implemented by the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development and the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU) in all districts, municipalities and cities. It aims at increasing access to Entrepreneurial Services that enable women Entrepreneurs to grow their Enterprises from micro to small and small to medium, including the Refugee host districts.