A new initiative is tackling the critical challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in East Africa, helping them scale their businesses and unlock their full economic potential.
Spearheaded by SHONA Group in partnership with Welthungerhilfe (WHH) and funded by Germany's Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the Herizon initiative is providing women-led businesses with the tools, networks, and capital necessary to transition from small operations to scalable enterprises that drive job creation, food security, and regional economic growth.
Women entrepreneurs in Uganda and Kenya own nearly half of the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in both countries—47% in Kenya and 38.4% in Uganda.
However, they face significant barriers in accessing the strategic support, mentorship, and financing needed to grow.
In Uganda, only 9% of commercial credit goes to women-led businesses, while fewer than 7% of women-led MSMEs in Kenya have access to formal financing.
The financing gap for women-owned businesses in Kenya alone exceeds $3.2 billion, the International Finance Corporation says, limiting their growth potential and the broader economic benefits they could provide.
“This isn't about a lack of ambition—East African women entrepreneurs are driven, resilient, and visionary,” said Josephine Munduru, project manager at SHONA Group.
“What’s missing is the infrastructure to support their growth in a way that acknowledges their unique challenges and potential.”
Herizon targets businesses that have been operational for at least two years and have reached a minimum annual revenue of Shs80 million or KShs3 million.
After completing intensive boot camps in Uganda and Kenya, participants are now receiving hands-on guidance from SHONA’s senior business analysts to refine their financial models and three-year growth strategies.
The next phase of support includes tailored mentorship from industry experts, peer-learning cohorts facilitated by trained coaches, and learning exchange visits to other high-performing businesses in East Africa.
Importantly, the program also provides structured investment readiness support to prepare participants for future funding opportunities.
Beyond boosting individual enterprises, Herizon aims to reshape how women contribute to regional development by empowering them to deliver essential services shaped by and for women.
“Scaling women-led businesses is not only a matter of gender equity—it’s an economic imperative,” said Munduru.
“When we support women to grow sustainable businesses, we’re investing in food security, job creation, and the long-term prosperity of our communities.”
Herizon is positioning women not just as participants, but as powerful agents of transformation in East Africa’s economy.