MTN Uganda has officially launched the second phase of its Advancing Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) programme, marking a significant step in its strategy to scale women-owned enterprises and deepen inclusive participation within its supply chain.
The launch of AWE 2.0 reinforces MTN Uganda’s commitment to inclusive economic growth by equipping women-led businesses with the skills, networks and opportunities needed to become corporate-ready, scalable and investment-ready enterprises.
AWE is MTN Uganda’s flagship women entrepreneurship initiative designed to address structural barriers that have historically limited women entrepreneurs from accessing formal procurement systems. The programme combines structured training, mentorship, digital skills development and procurement opportunities to support sustainable enterprise growth.
The second phase builds on strong performance from the initial rollout. To date, more than 15 women-owned enterprises have secured contracts worth over shs62 billion, significantly expanding their footprint within MTN Uganda’s supplier ecosystem.
In the first cohort, MTN Uganda onboarded 118 women entrepreneurs, laying the foundation for structured supplier development and capacity building. Since then, women-owned business participation within MTN Uganda’s ecosystem has grown from 0.3% at inception to 15%, reflecting a significant increase in supplier inclusion and access to corporate opportunities.
MTN Uganda Chief Executive Officer Sylvia Mulinge said the progress demonstrates the transformative potential of intentional inclusion programmes.
“This progress demonstrates what is possible when women entrepreneurs are given access to opportunity, skills and markets,” said Sylvia Mulinge.
“With the AWE 2.0 Incubator Programme, we are taking the next step, focusing on transforming businesses into structured, competitive and investment-ready enterprises that can thrive within and beyond MTN’s value chain.”
Launched in October 2023 as a three-year initiative running through November 2026, AWE was designed to close supplier inclusion gaps across key operational areas such as IT services, network operations, commercial services and facilities management.
The newly introduced AWE 2.0 Incubator Programme marks a shift from onboarding to deeper enterprise transformation. Under the theme “She Means Business,” the programme focuses on building long-term business resilience and competitiveness.
Key focus areas include corporate supply readiness, financial management, digital adoption, business structuring, ESG compliance, customer management, market visibility and investor readiness.
The enhanced model is designed to strengthen financial discipline, improve operational systems and prepare women-led SMEs to compete effectively in structured procurement environments.
The initiative is being implemented in partnership with ecosystem players including dfcu Bank (Women in Business), ATC Uganda, The Innovation Village, Zoho under Analytics Business Centre, and MTN Mobile Money.
These partners provide access to financing, technology platforms, business advisory services, mentorship and market linkages, creating a comprehensive support system for women entrepreneurs.
Speaking at the launch, dfcu Bank Executive Director Margaret Karume emphasized the importance of collaboration in unlocking enterprise potential.
“Transformation happens when institutions come together around a shared purpose,” said Karume. “Together with MTN, we are building an ecosystem that develops corporate-ready businesses.”
AWE 2.0 is positioned within MTN Uganda’s broader strategy of advancing digital and financial inclusion while strengthening a resilient, locally anchored supply chain. The programme also aligns with Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) priorities by embedding inclusive procurement as a driver of shared value creation.
Throughout 2026, the programme will roll out accelerator training sessions, mentorship clinics, investor pitch events, demo days and supplier development workshops aimed at strengthening women-led enterprises for sustainable growth.
Mulinge reaffirmed MTN Uganda’s commitment to inclusive development.
“At MTN, we believe that everyone deserves the benefits of a modern connected life,” she said. “This includes access to markets, access to technology, access to financing and access to opportunity. AWE is one of the ways we are making that belief real.”
Through AWE, MTN Uganda positions itself beyond telecommunications, emerging as a catalyst for inclusive enterprise development and helping women-led businesses transition from informal operators into structured, competitive players within Uganda’s digital economy.
