SUPPORT MICRO SMALL & MEDIUM ENTERPRISES IN UGANDA

31 Women groups have joined cooperatives out of the 37 groups that were trained. They have been going through business mentorship mainly The core business development skills that include Governance, Financial records, Human resource, basic skills in marketing and sales, and use of smart phones for a few members. All these women have joined community based cooperative groups introduced by the Government of Uganda locally known as Emyooga and  Parish development model where groups with business ideas can access low interest capital and grants. These low interest capital has grace periods that makes it ideal for the poor women to get off with their business ideas.

According to Uganda Jobs strategy for inclusive growth, micro, small, and medium enterprises created within the past five years now generate over 50% of formal jobs, and household enterprises provide employment for 3.1 million households. The 2020 Mastercard Global Index of Women Entrepreneurs estimated that women own nearly 40% of all businesses. However,  women entrepreneurs earn 30 % lower profits than men and women business owners in Uganda face gender specific barriers, including lower access to capital, and segregation into lower-value sectors.  

To unlock the potential of women entrepreneurs in Uganda, a comprehensive package is needed to address key barriers in a comprehensive manner. The new project Generating Growth opportunities and productivity for women enterprises (GROW) project funded by the World Bank through Government of Uganda. It will support a multi-sectoral program of customized services that empower women entrepreneurs and transition their enterprises, from micro to small and, from small to medium, as well as improve their productivity.