Uganda and Nepal launch support programs for women entrepreneurs

Governments in Uganda and Nepal have launched initiatives to provide financial and technological assistance to women-led enterprises to foster entrepreneurship and economic independence.

In Uganda, the Generating Growth Opportunities and Productivity for Women Enterprises (GROW) Project, supported by the World Bank, is targeting at least 767 women-owned businesses in refugee-hosting districts for non-repayable grants. Funding ranges from Shs3.5 million to Shs107.07 million depending on the size of the enterprise. The program prioritizes sectors such as STEM, green enterprises, agricultural processing, solar energy, and health technology. Special provisions are included for persons with disabilities and vulnerable groups.

In Nepal, the Ministry of Women, Children, Gender and Sexual Minorities, and Social Security has introduced a new procedure to provide technological support to women entrepreneurs. Individual entrepreneurs may receive up to Rs 200,000, while entrepreneur groups can receive up to Rs 300,000 in the form of machinery, tools, and equipment. The initiative focuses on sectors utilizing local raw materials and indigenous skills, such as agriculture, handicrafts, and tourism, with priority given to marginalized communities and survivors of violence.