Ugandan women entrepreneurs working in the green economy have received a major boost with the launch of a European Union-supported initiative offering seed capital, mentorship, and business training to women-led enterprises.
The program aims to strengthen startups addressing the country’s escalating environmental and climate challenges while positioning women at the centre of climate-smart innovation.
The initiative, known as Investing in Young Businesses in Africa – Women Entrepreneurship for Africa (IYBA-WE4A), is providing $5,000 (about UGX 17.8 million) in seed capital to each successful Ugandan applicant.
Beyond financial support, women entrepreneurs will receive tailored mentorship, access to expert-led training, and opportunities to join exclusive business networks across Africa and Europe.
The IYBA-WE4A initiative is backed by a powerful coalition of international development partners. It is funded by the European Union, the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States, and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development.
Implementation is led by the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), GIZ, and Goodwell Investments, bringing together expertise in entrepreneurship, finance, and sustainable development.
It targets Ugandan women who run early-stage businesses specifically those between zero and five years old that provide green or climate-smart solutions.
These include enterprises focusing on renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, recycling, waste management, eco-friendly manufacturing, water conservation technologies, and environmental restoration.
James Byamukama, Executive Director of the Jane Goodall Institute Uganda, emphasized that despite the potential of such ventures, many struggle to expand due to barriers in accessing growth finance and credible business networks.
“Most green startups run by women have solid ideas and strong community impact, but lack the financial muscle and exposure needed to scale. The WE4A program directly addresses these gaps,” Byamukama explained.
The benefits of the WE4A initiative go beyond the initial UGX 17.8 million seed grant. Shortlisted applicants will receive specialized training through the TEFConnect platform, covering business management, financial literacy, impact measurement, and green-economy entrepreneurship.
Participants also gain increased visibility an essential factor when seeking additional investment, forming partnerships, or entering new markets.
The call for applications extends beyond Uganda, with opportunities also available for women entrepreneurs in Senegal, Togo, Malawi, Cameroon, Kenya, Mozambique, and Tanzania. This regional scope underscores the program’s ambition to nurture a diverse and competitive pool of women-led green businesses across Africa.
Applications are open until January 25, 2026, giving Ugandan women innovators ample time to prepare strong submissions. Successful applicants will join a cohort of African women shaping the continent’s transition to a sustainable and climate-resilient future.
By equipping women with the financial resources, technical skills, and professional networks they need, the EU-backed WE4A initiative is not only fostering economic empowerment but also strengthening Uganda’s ability to confront pressing environmental challenges with home-grown solutions.
