DFCU Bank, in partnership with MTN Uganda, MTN Mobile Money Uganda, American Tower Corporation (ATC) Uganda, and The Innovation Village, have announced the opening of applications for the second cohort of the Advancing Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) Programme.
The initiative is designed to expand economic opportunities for women-led businesses across Uganda through financing, capacity building, and access to high-value procurement.
The announcement follows the strong impact of the first cohort, which, over the past three years, has transformed Uganda’s women entrepreneurship ecosystem. More than 40 women-led enterprises secured procurement contracts worth UGX 18 billion,surpassing the target of UGX 15 billion. During this period, the proportion of women-led suppliers in MTN Uganda’s ecosystem grew from 0.3% to 15%, marking a major milestone in inclusive sourcing.
Launched in 2023 under MTN Uganda’s Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) agenda, the AWE Programme aims to empower women to participate competitively in sectors traditionally dominated by male-led enterprises, including telecom infrastructure,digital services, and green energy.
In the first phase, 118 women-led enterprises benefited from mentorship, training, and financing. Through dfcu Bank, over UGX 1.6 billion in subsidized loans was unlocked for working capital, procurement readiness and business expansion. Participants completed more than 30 technical and business training modules covering procurement, financial management, ESG compliance, and operational excellence.
Speaking at the launch of the second cohort, Annette Kiconco, Chief Retail Banking Officer at dfcu Bank, reiterated the Bank’s commitment to advancing women in business:
“dfcu Bank remains steadfast in empowering women entrepreneurs through practical financing solutions and business development support. Through programmes like AWE,General – No control 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.”
The second phase of AWE will run until 20 December 2025 and is open to women entrepreneurs based in Northern, Eastern, Western, and Central Uganda. The programme will focus on enterprise development in sectors including information technology, network infrastructure, digital innovation, marketing, solar and green energy, facility management, commercial services, and professional consulting.
To qualify, businesses must be at least 50% women-owned, operational for a minimum of one year, and earning annual revenues of at least UGX 60 million. Applicants must present a valid tax compliance certificate and demonstrate active women-led management. Priority will be given to SMEs, youth-led enterprises (ages 23–35), and businesses owned by women with disabilities.
Partner organisations emphasised the critical role of women in Uganda’s economic growth:Sylvia Mulinge, CEO, MTN Uganda:“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.”
Dorothy Kabagambe Ssemanda, CEO, ATC Uganda:“Empowering women entrepreneurs is key to shaping Uganda’s digital and infrastructure transformation. Through AWE, we provide both opportunities and technical mentorship.”
Arthur Mukembo, CEO, FutureLab at The Innovation Village:“Women innovators fuel ecosystem growth and job creation. AWE ensures they have the tools and networks needed to scale.”
Selected participants will access procurement opportunities within MTN Uganda and its partner network, mentorship, business development support, ESG training, subsidized financing through dfcu Bank, free MTN Business Internet, and entrepreneurship incubation.
Women entrepreneurs meeting the criteria are encouraged to apply online at www.mtn.co.ug/awe before the deadline.
Required documents include a certificate of incorporation, proof of women ownership,financial statements, business registration details, a tax compliance certificate, and a company profile.