Kampala — MTN Uganda has rolled out the second phase of its Advancing Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) programme, reinforcing efforts to empower women-led businesses to access high-value corporate opportunities and scale sustainably.
The initiative, dubbed AWE 2.0 and themed “She Means Business,” builds on the success of the inaugural phase, which enabled women entrepreneurs to secure contracts worth over sh62 billion within MTN’s supply chain.
Launched in partnership with dfcu Bank, American Tower Corporation, The Innovation Village and MTN Mobile Money Uganda, the programme aims to equip women entrepreneurs with the skills and tools needed to compete effectively in corporate markets.
Under the new phase, participants will undergo targeted training in financial management, environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards, digital transformation, and investor readiness, alongside structured mentorship and business advisory support.
Speaking at the launch, MTN Uganda Chief Executive Officer Sylvia Mulinge said the programme is designed to move women-owned enterprises from informal operations to structured, investment-ready businesses.
“We are intentional about building capacity for women entrepreneurs so they can participate meaningfully in our value chain and beyond,” she said, noting that the initiative aligns with MTN’s broader commitment to inclusive economic growth.
The first cohort, launched in 2023, integrated more than 100 women-led enterprises into MTN’s supplier network, spanning sectors such as information technology, infrastructure, logistics and digital services.
Industry players say programmes like AWE are critical in addressing barriers that have long limited women’s participation in lucrative sectors, including limited access to finance, markets and technical expertise.
With applications now open for the second cohort, MTN Uganda is targeting a new wave of entrepreneurs across the country, positioning the initiative as a catalyst for business transformation and job creation.
Analysts note that as Uganda’s private sector becomes increasingly competitive, initiatives that deliberately uplift women-owned enterprises could play a pivotal role in driving inclusive and sustainable economic development.
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