The newly launched Stanbic Green Tech Accelerator is set to be a transformative force, placing the economic empowerment of Women, Youth, and Farmers (WYF) at the heart of Uganda’s sustainable development agenda.
This two-year initiative, a strategic partnership between Stanbic Business Incubator Limited (SBIL) and the Embassy of France in Uganda, has secured a substantial Shs1.8 billion grant to support the most crucial drivers of the economy: Women, Youth, and Farmers.
The Stanbic Green Tech Accelerator initiative was officially unveiled today in Kampala following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between a team from Stanbic Bank led by Catherine A. Poran, the SBIL Chief Executive, and a delegation from the French embassy led by H.E. Virginie Leroy, the newly appointed ambassador of France to Uganda.
Commitment to Empowering the Underserved
Speaking about the initiative, Poran said, “The core mandate of the Stanbic Green Tech Accelerator is to uplift 200 youth and women-led Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in both Kampala and the high-potential Albertine region (Hoima).”
“These groups, often facing the highest barriers to finance and technical support, will receive specialised training, mentorship, and critical access to markets,” she added.
She noted that to accelerate economic transformation among the above key demographics, the program specifically targets innovations across sectors that directly impact farmers and their communities in the following categories;
Climate-Smart Agriculture (Smart Agro/Agri-Tech)
Supporting businesses that improve farm resilience, productivity, and sustainable food production.
Water and Natural Resource Management
Empowering enterprises that provide solutions for clean water access and environmental protection, vital for rural farming communities.
Renewable Energy and Circular Economy
Backing solutions that provide clean energy and sustainable waste management, reducing operational costs for farm-based SMEs.
Blended Finance as a Solution for Entrepreneurs
Recognising that lack of capital is the single biggest hurdle for women and youth entrepreneurs, Poran revealed that the French partnership is also establishing a blended finance facility.
This facility is specifically designed to provide flexible financing, which shall include a combination of loans, grants, and investments, to at least 60 green economy SMEs.
This financial tool is tailored to unlock the potential of these enterprises, enabling them to expand operations and, critically, create green jobs within their communities.
As Poran highlighted, the program is dedicated to strengthening these businesses across key green sectors like Smart Agro/Agri-Tech and Water and Health.
She noted that by enhancing capacity and market access, the Accelerator ensures that young entrepreneurs and women business leaders are not just participants in the green economy, but the primary engines driving Uganda’s Vision 2040 towards sustainable growth and prosperity.
This initiative will unlock green jobs, promote sustainability, and contribute to Uganda’s Vision 2040 by empowering young entrepreneurs with financial support, technical expertise, and market opportunities.