In a bid to boost the GreenTech space in Uganda, Stanbic Business Incubator Limited (SBIL) has partnered with the French Embassy in Uganda to support the youth and women entrepreneurs active in the sector, a groundbreaking initiative designed to empower Uganda’s youth and women entrepreneurs in the green economy. This two-year program, backed by a €450,000 budget, aims to support 200 innovative SMEs operating in sectors such as renewable energy, waste management, climate-smart agriculture, clean cooking, and water resource management.
SBIL is the enterprise development subsidiary of Stanbic Uganda Holdings Limited (SUHL). To date, the Incubator has steered the growth of over 5,700 small and medium enterprises (SMEs), with training programs centred on three key pillars, access to finance, access to markets and business operational skilling. The Stanbic Greentech Accelerator Program is estimated to cost €450,000 (about UGX1.8 billion). Stanbic Bank is committed to co-financing the project to a tune of €237,833 or 34.5%.
Why This Matters
Uganda faces a critical challenge: enabling its burgeoning youth population to enter the labour market while simultaneously adapting to the intensifying effects of climate change. High poverty and inequality rates, coupled with one of Africa’s highest youth unemployment rates, necessitate innovative solutions. This is further compounded by environmental pressures from a rapidly growing population and an influx of refugees, straining natural resources and driving rapid urbanisation.
However, within these challenges lies immense opportunity as Uganda possesses abundant natural resources and a young, dynamic population eager to contribute. By fostering a thriving green economy, Uganda can unlock significant economic potential, create much-needed jobs, and build a more sustainable and resilient future.
Uganda’s Vision 2040 and Green Growth Development Strategy provide a clear framework for this transition, prioritizing green cities, climate-smart agriculture, renewable energy, and sustainable natural resource management. Economic analyses indicate that green growth interventions could boost GDP by 10% by 2040, generate up to four million jobs, and substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
While Ugandan businesses recognize the potential of green transformation, young entrepreneurs face significant hurdles, including limited access to finance, inadequate infrastructure, and insufficient technical support. This program addresses these challenges by establishing a GreenTech Accelerator to empower young entrepreneurs, particularly women and youth, to build and scale innovative green businesses. By providing a comprehensive package of financing and technical assistance, this initiative will drive job creation, promote sustainable development, and contribute to Uganda’s green growth objectives.
“Blending the green business model in Uganda’s economic growth is crucial for ensuring sustainable development, protecting the environment, fostering inclusive growth and job creation as well as building resilience to climate change.”
Program Components:
1. Acceleration Program: 3-month intensive training and mentorship for 130 growth-stage enterprises.
2. Incubation Program: 6-month support for 70 early-stage innovators to refine ideas and access technical facilities.
3. Financial Advisory & Incentives: Blended finance and advisory services to make businesses bankable and investor ready.
Target Regions: Kampala Metropolitan and the Albertine Region (Hoima).
Focus on Inclusion: At least 50% women-led enterprises and 30% youth-led businesses will participate.
Expected Impact: Over 100 new jobs, 10% growth in turnover for participating companies, and direct capital investment.
Strategic Partnerships
The program will leverage collaborations with French companies, industry associations, universities, green financiers and innovation hubs to provide technical mentorship, market access, and financing opportunities.
Why Join?
This initiative offers a unique opportunity for Ugandan entrepreneurs to scale their green innovations, access funding, and contribute to a sustainable future.
For the Incubation Program, scan the QR code on the flyer below or follow this link below to submit your application: https://survey.zohopublic.com/zs/HxD51P
For the Accelerator Program, scan the QR code on the flyer below or follow this link below to submit your application: https://survey.zohopublic.com/zs/gDD5GZ
