The I&P Acceleration WE4A Programme Uganda is co-financed by the European Union, the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), and German Cooperation through GIZ. The programme is part of the larger “Investing in Young Businesses in Africa – Women Entrepreneurs in Africa (IYBA WE4A)” initiative, which aims to promote inclusive economic development and green transformation across the continent.

To view the official programme overview, visit:

https://www.ietp.com/en/acceleration-we4a

Why the I&P Acceleration WE4A Programme Uganda Is Essential

In economies such as Uganda, Cameroon, Senegal, and Togo, small and medium-sized enterprises form the backbone of the economic ecosystem. Despite their importance, these businesses face a financing gap of over €15 billion. Women entrepreneurs face additional systemic barriers including limited access to guarantees, gender bias, lack of financial networks, cultural barriers, and disproportionate family responsibilities.

As a result, although women constitute a significant portion of entrepreneurs in many African markets, they receive less than 10% of commercial bank loans. The situation is even more challenging for enterprises in the green sector, which require capital to innovate, create jobs, and contribute effectively to climate action.

The I&P Acceleration WE4A Programme Uganda addresses these structural obstacles by providing a comprehensive support package structured into three components: investment preparation, access to debt, and access to capital. Each component responds to a specific constraint faced by early-stage or growing women-led companies.

Programme Structure: Three Pillars of Support

1. Investment Preparation

This component focuses on helping women entrepreneurs become investment-ready. Through structured business training, one-on-one mentoring, and guidance from experienced investors, participants learn how to refine their business model, prepare strategic financial documents, and plan for long-term funding opportunities.

Support under this component includes:

• Tailored acceleration pathway

• Online e-learning modules and live expert-led webinars

• Mentoring sessions with investors and business coaches

• Advisory support for financial planning and modelling

• Preparation for future access to debt or capital instruments

Apply for Investment Readiness

2. Access to Debt

The second component helps women entrepreneurs access formal credit through guaranteed loans and technical assistance. In Uganda, the programme collaborates with Finance Trust Bank (FTB) to facilitate loans averaging €22,000 for eligible companies.

Support includes:

• Access to guaranteed loans with a 12-month repayment period

• Group-based technical assistance

• Training on credit evaluation, loan terms, and repayment planning

• Individual mentoring to support documentation, negotiation, and business planning