KABALE — Finance Minister Henry Musasizi has urged women entrepreneurs in the Kigezi sub-region to take advantage of government programmes, affordable financing and digital technologies to expand their businesses, create jobs and contribute to Uganda’s economic transformation.
Musasizi made the call while officiating at the Kigezi Regional Business Forum under the Generating Growth Opportunities and Productivity for Women Enterprises (GROW) Project, held at the National Teachers College (NTC), now UNITE Kabale Campus, in Kabale Municipality.
The forum, organised by the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development in partnership with the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU), with support from the World Bank, was graced Hon. Henry Musasizi, Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, as Chief Guest, accompanied by Hon. Jacqueline Mbabazi, Minister of State for Gender, Labour and Social Development in charge of Elderly Affairs.
It brought together women entrepreneurs, local government leaders, Members of Parliament, financial institutions, business development partners and other private-sector stakeholders to discuss opportunities for growing women-owned enterprises.
Musasizi said women entrepreneurs could contribute to Uganda’s economic transformation by improving productivity, adopting modern technologies, adding value to their products and building businesses capable of accessing larger markets.
He highlighted the government’s Tenfold Growth Strategy, which prioritises agro-industrialisation, tourism, minerals, including oil and gas, and science, technology and innovation (ATMS), as key drivers of the ambition to grow Uganda’s economy to $500 billion by 2040.
The minister said achieving the target would require increased productivity, accountability and stronger public-private partnerships.
He commended the World Bank and other development partners for supporting the $217 million GROW Project, which provides women entrepreneurs with financing ranging from Shs2 million to Shs200 million at annual interest rates of not more than 10%.
Musasizi encouraged beneficiaries to use the financing to expand production, adopt modern technologies, improve financial management and formalise their businesses.
He also urged women entrepreneurs to establish networks that could connect them to local, regional and international markets.
The minister called on local government leaders and other stakeholders to strengthen partnerships and provide the infrastructure and services needed for women-owned businesses to grow.
Dr Ruth Aisha Kasolo Biyinzika, the GROW Project’s National Coordinator, urged women entrepreneurs to embrace digitalisation by establishing business websites and using social media to market their products and reach wider markets.
Biyinzika welcomed participants to the forum and commended the women entrepreneurs for their participation in discussions on business growth and enterprise development.
The engagement also provided a platform for beneficiaries to share their business experiences, discuss challenges and explore opportunities available through the GROW Project, including access to finance and business development services.
An exhibition featuring products and services from 30 women-led businesses formed part of the forum, offering entrepreneurs opportunities to showcase their products, network with potential clients and establish business partnerships.
The GROW Project is implemented by the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development in partnership with PSFU, with support from the World Bank. It seeks to improve access to finance and other business support services for women entrepreneurs.
The Kigezi forum is part of efforts to expand women’s participation in the formal economy by helping women-owned enterprises move beyond informal and subsistence activities towards sustainable businesses that generate income, create employment and strengthen household livelihoods.
