dfcu Bank, in partnership with MTN Uganda, MTN Mobile Money Uganda, American Tower Corporation (ATC) Uganda, and The Innovation Village, has announced the opening of applications for the second cohort of the Advancing Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) Programme, an initiative aimed at accelerating economic opportunities for women-led businesses across Uganda.
The AWE Programme, which launched in 2023, is designed to empower women entrepreneurs by providing access to financing, mentorship, capacity building, and procurement opportunities in high-value sectors such as telecom infrastructure, digital services, and green energy.
Following the success of the first cohort, which ran for three years, the programme has already made a significant impact on Uganda’s women entrepreneurship ecosystem. Over 40 women-led enterprises secured procurement contracts worth UGX 18 billion, surpassing the target of UGX 15 billion. Additionally, the proportion of women-led suppliers within MTN Uganda’s ecosystem grew from just 0.3% to an impressive 15%, marking a major milestone in inclusive sourcing and business development.
Annette Kiconco, Chief Retail Banking Officer at dfcu Bank, emphasized the bank’s commitment to fostering inclusive growth and supporting women in traditionally male-dominated sectors.
“dfcu Bank remains steadfast in empowering women entrepreneurs through practical financing solutions and business development support. Through programmes like AWE, we are opening doors for women to enter high-value sectors such as technology, infrastructure, and green energy. When women thrive, Uganda’s economy becomes stronger, more inclusive, and more resilient,” Kiconco stated during the launch of the second cohort.
The AWE Programme, part of MTN Uganda’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) agenda, has already provided significant benefits to the 118 women-led businesses that participated in its first phase. These businesses received over UGX 1.6 billion in subsidized loans through dfcu Bank, enabling them to improve procurement readiness, expand operations, and access working capital. Participants also underwent more than 30 business and technical training modules on procurement, financial management, ESG compliance, and operational excellence.
The second cohort of the AWE Programme, which will run until December 2025, is open to women-led enterprises from Northern, Eastern, Western, and Central Uganda. The focus of this phase will be on supporting businesses in high-growth sectors such as information technology, network infrastructure, digital innovation, solar and green energy, and facility management.
To qualify for the programme, applicants must meet the following criteria: they must be at least 50% women-owned, operational for a minimum of one year, and earning annual revenues of at least UGX 60 million. They must also have a valid tax compliance certificate and active women-led management. Priority will be given to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), youth-led businesses (ages 23–35), and businesses owned by women with disabilities.
The programme’s partners reiterated the critical role women play in driving Uganda’s economic and infrastructure development. Sylvia Mulinge, CEO of MTN Uganda, highlighted the importance of inclusivity in the digital and infrastructure sectors:
“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,” Mulinge said.
Dorothy Kabagambe Ssemanda, CEO of ATC Uganda, stressed that empowering women entrepreneurs is essential for the nation’s digital and infrastructure transformation.
“Empowering women entrepreneurs is key to shaping Uganda’s digital and infrastructure transformation. Through AWE, we provide both opportunities and technical mentorship,” Ssemanda added.
Meanwhile, Arthur Mukembo, CEO of The Innovation Village, praised the initiative for nurturing women innovators who fuel ecosystem growth and job creation.
“Women innovators fuel ecosystem growth and job creation. AWE ensures they have the tools and networks needed to scale,” Mukembo said.
Selected participants in the AWE Programme will receive a range of support, including procurement opportunities within MTN Uganda’s network, mentorship, business development assistance, ESG training, subsidized financing through dfcu Bank, and free MTN Business Internet. Additionally, participants will benefit from entrepreneurship incubation at The Innovation Village.
Women entrepreneurs who meet the eligibility criteria are encouraged to apply online by visiting www.mtn.co.ug/awe
before the deadline. Required documents include a certificate of incorporation, proof of women ownership, financial statements, business registration details, tax compliance certificate, and company profile.
The AWE Programme is seen as a powerful tool in supporting Uganda’s broader economic development goals, fostering an inclusive business environment, and providing women with the resources needed to thrive in high-value sectors.