MTN Uganda opens 2nd edition of Women Entrepreneurs Programme

MTN Uganda, in partnership with MTN Mobile Money Uganda, American Tower Corporation (ATC) Uganda, dfcu Bank, and The Innovation Village, has opened applications for the second cohort of its Advancing Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) programme.

The announcement follows the success of the programme’s first phase, which over the past three years has significantly reshaped the landscape for women-led enterprises in Uganda. The inaugural cohort enabled more than 40 women-owned businesses to secure contracts worth UGX 18 billion, surpassing the initial target of UGX 15 billion. It also transformed MTN Uganda’s supplier ecosystem, raising the share of women-led suppliers from just 0.3% to 15% in less than two years.

Launched in 2023 as a flagship component of MTN Uganda’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) agenda, AWE aims to drive inclusive economic development by integrating women entrepreneurs into high-value procurement and technical opportunities within the telecom sector.

During the first cohort, 118 enterprises across the country received procurement opportunities, mentorship, and skills development training. Through dfcu Bank, the programme unlocked UGX 1.6 billion in subsidised financing, while participants completed more than 30 training modules covering procurement preparedness, financial management, ESG standards, and technical capacity building.

MTN Uganda CEO Sylvia Mulinge underscored the programme’s transformative impact, saying: “Over the past three years, AWE has proven that deliberate inclusion of women entrepreneurs generates measurable business and social benefits. By integrating women into strategic projects such as solar installations at our sites, we are advancing our sustainability goals while driving inclusive economic growth across Uganda.”

Building on this momentum, the second phase of the programme—running until 20 December 2025—is open to women entrepreneurs across Northern, Eastern, Western, and Central Uganda. This cohort will emphasize enterprise development in technology, network infrastructure, digital services, green energy and solar solutions, facility management, commercial services, marketing, and professional consultancy.

To qualify, businesses must be at least 50% women-owned or majority women-shareholder, operational for a minimum of one year, and generating at least UGX 60 million in annual revenues. Applicants must submit 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.

ATC Uganda CEO Dorothy Kabagambe Ssemanda highlighted the programme’s technical value: “Empowering women entrepreneurs is critical to driving innovation and sustainability in telecom infrastructure. Through AWE, we offer not just procurement opportunities but technical mentorship in areas such as structural engineering, project management, and health and safety—ensuring women lead Uganda’s digital future.”

dfcu Bank’s Chief Retail Banking Officer, Annette Kiconco, added: “Supporting women entrepreneurs is central to our Women in Business Programme. Through AWE, we extend affordable financing, financial literacy, and opportunities for women to thrive in high-value sectors like technology and green energy. When women succeed, communities and the economy grow stronger.”

Arthur Mukembo, CEO of FutureLab at The Innovation Village, noted: “Programmes like AWE equip women with the skills, tools, networks, and resources to access capital and markets. Supporting women innovators strengthens entire ecosystems, creates jobs, and accelerates socio-economic transformation. Women’s participation in technology is not a short-term initiative—it is a strategic national priority.”

Selected participants will receive direct procurement opportunities within MTN Uganda’s value chain, one-on-one mentorship, peer networking, subsidised financing, free MTN Business Internet, and ESG compliance training. MTN Mobile Money Uganda will support digital payments and financial inclusion; ATC Uganda will provide infrastructure mentorship; dfcu Bank will offer tailored financial solutions; and The Innovation Village will lead incubation and entrepreneurship training.

Eligible women entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply at www.mtn.co.ug/awe before the deadline. Required documents include a certificate of incorporation, tax compliance certificate, proof of women shareholding, financial statements, business registration details, and a company profile.