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Uganda’s entrepreneurial landscape is set for a major boost with the launch of the Women in Tech Uganda Accelerator Program.
This initiative, spearheaded by Standard Chartered Foundation in partnership with Standard Chartered Bank, Village Capital, and Innovation Village, is designed to support women-led, tech-enabled businesses across the country.
The three-year program aims to provide women entrepreneurs with the essential tools, financial support, and networks to scale their businesses sustainably, positioning them at the heart of Uganda’s evolving digital economy.
The launch event, held at MoTIV, brought together stakeholders from both the public and private sectors, marking the start of a program aimed at closing gender gaps in business and technology.
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The program comes at a critical time when Uganda is actively promoting inclusive economic growth, especially through innovation and technology.
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Addressing the Gender Gap in Technology
Women in Uganda own over 50% of the country’s micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), many of which are tech-enabled.
Despite this, women still face significant barriers, including limited access to financing, digital tools, and professional networks.
The Women in Tech Accelerator Program aims to address these disparities, helping women entrepreneurs unlock their full potential.
The first cohort will support 60 women-led businesses over three years, with a focus on market validation, digital integration, and growth strategy.
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Roseline Najjuma, Head of Transaction Banking at Standard Chartered Bank Uganda, highlighted the program’s alignment with Uganda’s broader development agenda.
“Empowering women-led businesses is key to accelerating progress towards Uganda’s Sustainable Development Goals,” she said.
The initiative is part of Standard Chartered’s broader global Futuremakers Women in Tech program, which already operates in 12 countries, including Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, and South Africa.
A Pathway to Financial Support and Networking
The accelerator will offer women entrepreneurs the chance to receive intensive incubation over six months, helping them refine their business models and integrate technology.
Participants will have access to digital tools, strategic business advice, and the opportunity to pitch for catalytic grants of up to $10,000. They will also gain access to potential customers and industry partners.
Japheth Kawanguzi, Team Lead at Innovation Village, emphasized that the program’s strength lies in its strategic partnerships, access to essential business growth tools, and its ability to foster a vibrant Community of Practice.
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“Together, we are building a platform where women lead and shape Uganda’s digital economy,” he noted.
A Collaborative Effort for Inclusive Growth
The program has received strong support from government officials, including Hon. Hellen Asamo, Minister of State for People with Disabilities. She praised the initiative’s alignment with national development frameworks like Vision 2040 and the MSME Policy, which focus on strengthening the private sector and improving access to finance for women-led businesses.
Through targeted training, capacity building, and access to digital tools, the Women in Tech Uganda Accelerator Program is set to transform the country’s entrepreneurial landscape, ensuring that women tech-preneurs have the resources they need to thrive.
The first cohort of applicants will begin their journey in June, and interested women founders are encouraged to apply.