dfcu Bank, alongside MTN Uganda, MTN MoMo, American Tower Corporation (ATC) Uganda, and The Innovation Village, has opened applications for the second cohort of the groundbreaking Advancing Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) Programme.
The first cohort was a game-changer: Over three years, more than 40 women-led businesses clinched procurement contracts worth a staggering UGX 18 billionexceeding targets by UGX 3 billion. Women’s share in MTN Uganda’s supplier ecosystem skyrocketed from a mere 0.3% to 15%, while 118 enterprises gained mentorship, training, and over UGX 1.6 billion in subsidized loans from dfcu Bank.
Now, the second phase – running until December 20, 2025 – targets women entrepreneurs across Northern, Eastern, Western, and Central Uganda in high-growth fields like IT, network infrastructure, digital innovation, solar energy, marketing, and professional consulting.
Annette Kiconco, dfcu Bank’s Chief Retail Banking Officer, championed the initiative: “dfcu Bank is steadfast in empowering women through practical financing and support. Programmes like AWE open doors to technology, infrastructure, and green energy. When women thrive, Uganda’s economy becomes stronger, more inclusive, and resilient.”
Partners echoed the call:
- Sylvia Mulinge, CEO of MTN Uganda: “Deliberate inclusion of women drives real business and social value – from solar projects to digital solutions.”
- Dorothy Kabagambe Ssemanda, CEO of ATC Uganda: “Empowering women shapes our digital and infrastructure future with opportunities and mentorship.”
- Arthur Mukembo, CEO of FutureLab at The Innovation Village: “Women innovators create jobs and growth AWE gives them the tools to scale.”
To qualify: Businesses must be at least 50% women-owned, operational for one year, with annual revenues of UGX 60 million+, valid tax compliance, and active women-led management. Priority for SMEs, youth (23–35), and women with disabilities.
Selected participants get: Procurement access in MTN’s network, mentorship, ESG training, subsidized dfcu financing, free MTN Business Internet, and incubation support.
Women ready to lead the charge? Apply now at www.mtn.co.ug/awe with incorporation docs, ownership proof, financials, and more.
As Uganda pushes for inclusive growth under MTN’s ESG agenda, AWE is proving: Empower women entrepreneurs, and the entire nation wins big.
