MTN Uganda in partnership with dfcu bank on Tuesday kicked off the Advancing Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) Accelerator Program at MTN offices in Kampala.
Launched in October 2023, this initiative aims to advance women’s entrepreneurship.
Sylvia Mlinge, CEO of MTN Uganda, emphasised that the AWE program was purposefully designed to create opportunities, stimulate growth, and promote inclusivity in the entrepreneurial landscape.
“We are grateful for the support and belief from our partners in the Advancing Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) Accelerator Program: MTN, Agribusiness Development Centre, UN Women, PSFU, The Innovation Village, NSSF, and Outbox Hub.”
She said the AWE program was designed with a clear purpose to create opportunities, foster growth and promote inclusivity in the entrepreneurial landscape.
In her speech, the Chief Guest Dr. Gudula Naiga Basaza advised the AWE participants to boost confidence and strategic positioning in the competitive business landscape.
She stressed the importance of sharing content to attract followers, influencers, and endorsers.
She further spoke about self-awareness and how to build confidence earlier today at the unveiling of the 118 Women Entrepreneurs who are part of the first cohort of AWE.
dfcu Bank was represented by Kate K. Kiiza (ED/CFO), Doreen Byaruhanga (Chief Corporate & Institutional Banking Officer), Helena Mayanja (Head PR & Corporate Affairs), Mark Ssonko (Head SME & Commercial Banking), and Ruth Asasira (Head WiB).
Kiiza, in her speech, expressed gratitude to MTN and other program partners and welcomed the 118 successful applicants of the AWE Accelerator Program.
She reiterated dfcu Bank’s commitment to supporting the initiative. “Our partnership with MTN is strategic, and at dfcu Bank, we are committed to supporting the program. The AWE program forms part of our broader Women in Business (WiB) program, a cause dear to both of us.”
According to Kiiza, dfcu Bank is backing the AWE program with tailored financing: subsidised interest rates and relaxed collateral for participants.
“To build capacity, we will provide training in financial management, ESG, and gender diversity. Our tailored financial solutions are designed to help women thrive in the competitive business world. The capacity-building training is crucial for this. We’ve set up a WiB Advisory Council and a Centre accessible to all women.”
She assured the partners and participants that the UGX 15bn target for the AWE Accelerator Programme will be exceeded.
Paulina Chiwangu, UN Women’s Country Representative in Uganda, said where women entrepreneurs have the opportunities and support to thrive.
“This embodies our commitment to gender equality and women’s economic empowerment. Thank you, MTN, for your leadership in this initiative. True progress happens through collaboration. To the women entrepreneurs: your dreams matter, and your ideas are powerful. We are here to support you.”
She said building a more inclusive society takes action. “We are committed to creating an environment where women-owned businesses flourish. That means addressing key areas like 1. Inclusive governance & women’s participation. 2. Ending violence against women and girls. 3. Women’s economic empowerment.”
She added: “We are here to launch a programme that will help us to inclusiveness and equity. Gender-responsive procurement is a vehicle for women’s economic empowerment”.
Dorothy Kabagambe, CEO of ATC Uganda, thanked Mulinge for inspiring women.
“Today’s about celebrating even more: investing in women entrepreneurs. This initiative will change the game. I strongly believe that something shifts when women are given the opportunity to thrive. Investing in women = positive change,” she noted.
Dr. Ruth Aisha Kasolo, the Grow Project Coordinator at the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU), lauded the collective effort and dedication that has gone into making the AWE program a success.
She assured women entrepreneurs of PSFU’s support in their ventures.
The AWE Accelerator Program targets women entrepreneurs in IT, network services, digital solutions, facility management, and commercial products/services.
