dfcu Bank, MTN Uganda, UN Women and other partners on Tuesday officially kicked off the implementation of the Advancing Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) Accelerator Programme.
Launched in October 2023, this initiative aims to advance women’s entrepreneurship. The AWE Accelerator Programme targets women entrepreneurs in IT, network services, digital solutions, facility management, and commercial products/services.
Kate K. Kiiza, the dfcu Executive Director, in her speech, expressed gratitude to MTN Uganda and other programme partners, and welcomed the 118 successful applicants of the AWE Accelerator Programme. Kiiza 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 programme. The AWE programme forms part of our broader Women in Business (WiB) programme, a cause dear to both of us,” she said.
“dfcu Bank is backing the AWE programme with tailored financing: subsidised interest rates and relaxed collateral for participants. To build capacity, we’ll 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 added.
Kate K. Kiiza concluded by assuring the partners and participants that the UGX 15bn target for the AWE Accelerator Programme will be exceeded.
The other partners are Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU), the Innovation Village, NSSF Uganda and Outbox.
Sylvia Mulinge, CEO of MTN Uganda, emphasised that the AWE program was purposefully designed to create opportunities, stimulate growth, and promote inclusivity in the entrepreneurial landscape.
Paulina Chiwangu, the Country Representative of UN Women, said the programme will promote inclusiveness and equity.
“Gender-responsive procurement is a vehicle for women’s economic empowerment. Today, we celebrate a step towards a more inclusive future! Where women entrepreneurs have the opportunities and support to thrive. This embodies our commitment to gender equality and women’s economic empowerment,” she said.
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
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