dfcu Bank has renewed its commitment to accelerating women’s economic empowerment in Uganda, joining MTN Uganda and partners at the Advancing Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) Accelerator Programme event held at Entebbe Golf Club.
The celebration, dubbed the HER Power Tee, highlighted the rising influence of women-owned businesses in high-value and technology-driven sectors.
Launched in 2023, the AWE Programme has already delivered measurable impact. Women’s participation in MTN Uganda’s supplier network has more than doubled—from 7% in 2023 to 15% in 2024—with 118 women-led enterprises successfully onboarded.
The initiative is powered by a coalition that includes MTN Uganda, MTN Mobile Money Uganda, dfcu Bank, UN Women, American Tower Corporation, Innovation Village and NSSF Hi-Innovators.
Speaking at the event, Annette Kiconco, Chief Retail Banking Officer at dfcu Bank, reaffirmed the Bank’s long-term investment in women entrepreneurs.
“AWE aligns with our purpose of transforming lives and businesses in Uganda. Through our Women in Business Programme, we have supported thousands of women with financing, mentorship and networks needed to scale,” she said.
As part of the partnership, dfcu Bank has rolled out a tailored package for female entrepreneurs under AWE, including subsidised interest rates, flexible collateral terms and business advisory support to improve their chances of securing corporate contracts and driving growth.
Since its inception in 2007, dfcu’s Women in Business Programme has reached more than 80,000 entrepreneurs nationwide. The Bank has also co-implemented the World Bank-funded GROW Project to expand financing and capacity-building for women-led enterprises.
Although women own 38% of Ugandan businesses, few operate in high-growth sectors or access large procurement deals. Kiconco said partnerships like AWE are closing this gap, adding: “When women are given the right tools, capital and networks, they don’t just run businesses—they transform communities.”
The AWE 1.0 celebration marked both progress and a call for sustained investment in women shaping Uganda’s next growth frontier.