As part of its continued commitment to empowering and uplifting women in business across Uganda, MTN Uganda this week unveiled a group of 118 exceptional women entrepreneurs that the telco has selected as service providers under its Advancing Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) program.
Launched in October last year, this initiative underscores MTN’s commitment to empowering and uplifting women in business across Uganda.
The AWE program was designed to; grow the female MTN supplier base, build the capacity of women businesses through skills development as well as build sustainable business ecosystems through mentorship and coaching programs.
Through a rigorous selection process following its expression of interest call, MTN has identified and partnered with talented women entrepreneurs from diverse sectors including I.T., network, commercial, professional, and facility-related services.
According to MTN Uganda Chief Executive Officer, Sylvia Mulinge, the selected women have demonstrated exceptional skills, passion, and determination; showcasing the incredible potential and versatility of female-led businesses in our country.
“We are thrilled to unveil these remarkable women entrepreneurs who have not only met but exceeded our expectations,” said Mulinge.
“By choosing these women entrepreneurs as service providers to MTN Uganda, we are not just investing in their businesses; we are investing in the future of Uganda. We believe that by empowering women economically, we create a ripple effect that benefits families, communities, and ultimately, our nation’s prosperity,” Ms. Mulinge added.
The move, Ms. Mulinge said, moves “the needle from 7% women suppliers in 2023 to 15% in 2024.
The unveiling event was presided over by renowned entrepreneur and founder of the Gudie Farm, Prof. Gudula Naiga Basaza, who also doubles as the Chairperson of the Uganda Women Entrepreneurs Limited (UWEAL). She advised the women entrepreneurs to be focused, resilient, tenacious and compliant, for their businesses to thrive.
The Advancing Women Entrepreneurs program is also supported by dfcu Bank’s Women in Business, the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU), NSSF Hi Innovators, ATC Uganda, UN Women, The Innovation Village, and MTN MoMo.
Dorothy Kabagambe Semanda, the CEO ATC Uganda said that as part of the initiative, her company had already “ring-fenced work that is to be done by women”.
“We shall focus on training women to run successful construction companies with emphasis on practical skills that are required in the sector,” she added.
On her part, Kate K Kiiza, the Executive Director, dfcu Bank said that her bank was “backing the AWE programme with tailored financing; subsidized interest rates, and relaxed collateral for participants to help women thrive in today’s competitive business world”.
“To build capacity, we’ll provide training in financial management, ESG, and gender diversity. We have set up a Women in Business (WiB) advisory council and a centre accessible to all women,” Ms. Kiiza added.