FAMReports News Desk | April 2026
Standard Chartered Bank has called on women entrepreneurs in technology and tech enabled sectors to apply for the 2026 Women in Technology Accelerator Programme, as stakeholders intensify efforts to unlock the potential of women led enterprises within Uganda’s growing digital economy.
The call was made during the official launch of the programme’s second cohort held at the Sheraton Kampala Hotel, where partners positioned the initiative as a strategic intervention aimed at addressing systemic barriers that continue to limit women entrepreneurs from scaling high growth ventures.
A Strategic Intervention for Inclusive Growth
The Women in Technology Accelerator Programme is spearheaded by the Standard Chartered Foundation in partnership with Innovation Village and Village Capital, and implemented by Future Lab. The three year initiative is designed to go beyond traditional entrepreneurship training by integrating market access, investment readiness, mentorship, and catalytic funding to support sustainable enterprise growth.
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Speaking at the launch, Sanjay Rughani, Chief Executive Officer of Standard Chartered Bank Uganda, encouraged women founders to seize the opportunity, emphasizing that the programme is structured to address deep rooted structural challenges that hinder enterprise growth.
He noted that persistent inequalities across Uganda and the broader region continue to limit the expansion of women led businesses, despite their critical role in driving economic development and community prosperity.
Strengthening the Innovation Ecosystem
According to Japheth Kawanguzi, Team Lead at Innovation Village, the programme is not only focused on individual enterprises but also on building a sustainable pipeline of women entrepreneurs. He highlighted efforts to strengthen linkages across Uganda’s technology ecosystem, ensuring that founders are better connected to opportunities, resources, and markets.
The initiative aligns with broader national efforts to promote science, technology, and innovation as key drivers of economic transformation. Monica Musenero, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, underscored government commitment to bridging the gap between policy and practice through structured support systems.
She revealed that dedicated frameworks, including innovation metrics and economic trust structures, have been established to enhance access to information, infrastructure, and innovation spaces. Through Science, Technology, and Innovation platforms, the ministry is also rolling out town halls and engagement forums aimed at improving inclusivity within the innovation ecosystem.
Programme Scope and Expected Impact
The 2026 Women in Technology Accelerator Programme will run from April to October, targeting women entrepreneurs with scalable, impact driven solutions. The programme is expected to deliver measurable outcomes, including job creation, increased market participation, and improved access to funding for women led startups.
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Globally, the Standard Chartered Foundation has committed over 600,000 US dollars in grant funding for the 2026 cohort across 12 markets, including Uganda, Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa. To date, the initiative has supported more than 4,000 women founders across 17 markets, reflecting its growing global footprint and impact.
A Critical Opportunity for Women Entrepreneurs
With applications now open, partners are positioning the accelerator programme as a critical entry point for women entrepreneurs seeking to transition from early stage operations to scalable and investment ready businesses.
The initiative comes at a time when Uganda’s startup ecosystem is expanding rapidly, yet women entrepreneurs continue to face disproportionate challenges in accessing capital, networks, and technical support. By addressing these gaps, the Women in Technology Accelerator Programme is expected to play a pivotal role in fostering inclusive innovation and sustainable economic growth.
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