MTN unveils 118 women entrepreneurs selected for AWE programme

MTN Uganda has unveiled 118 women entrepreneurs who have been selected as service providers under the Advancing Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) program.

This is part of the telecom’s efforts to observe the Women’s month.

Launched in October last year, the AWE initiative underscores MTN's commitment to empowering and uplifting women in business across Uganda.

According to MTN, the AWE program was designed with the aim to grow the female MTN supplier base, build the capacity of women businesses through skills development as well as building sustainable business eco systems through mentorship and coaching programs.

According to MTN Uganda Chief Executive Officers, Sylvia Mulinge, the selected women have demonstrated exceptional skills, passion, and determination; showcasing the incredible potential and versatility of female-led businesses in our country.

"We are thrilled to unveil these remarkable women entrepreneurs who have not only met but exceeded our expectations. By choosing these women entrepreneurs as service providers to MTN Uganda, we are not just investing in their businesses; we are investing in the future of Uganda,” Mulinge said.

She added, “We believe that by empowering women economically, we create a ripple effect that benefits families, communities, and ultimately, our nation's prosperity."

Mulinge, further noted that as part of MTN Uganda's commitment to gender diversity and inclusion, the company has significantly increased the representation of women suppliers.

"By enlisting these exceptional 118 women entrepreneurs as part of the MTN supplier base, I am pleased to note that we have moved the needle from 7% women suppliers in 2023 to 15% in 2024," Mulinge noted.

The event was presided over by renowned entrepreneur and founder of the Gudie Farm, Prof. Gudula Naiga Basaza, who also doubles as the Chairperson of the Uganda Women Entrepreneurs Limited (UWEAL).

Basaza, advised the women entrepreneurs to be focused, resilient, tenacious and compliant, for their businesses to thrive.

According to available data, MTN Uganda has significantly increased the representation of women suppliers, moving from 7% in 2023 to 15% in 2024.

The company reechoes its committment to supporting women-owned businesses across Uganda, backed by the strong belief that “Together, we’re unstoppable.”

Dorothy Kabagambe Semanda, CEO ATC Uganda said they are committed to working alongside MTN Uganda to ensure the success of the AWE program.

“As ATC, we have already ring-fenced work that is to be done by women. We shall focus on training women on running successful construction companies with emphasis on practical skills that are required in the sector,”

Kate K Kiiza, the executive director of DFCU Bank said they are backing the AWE programme with tailored financing; subsidized interest rates, and relaxed collateral for participants to help women thrive in today’s competitive business world.

“To build capacity, we’ll provide training in financial management, ESG, and gender diversity. We have set up a Women in Business (WiB) advisory council and a centre accessible to all women,” Kiiza said.

Paulina Chiwangu, the UN Women Country Representative Uganda encouraged women to work together to eliminate all forms of violence against them.

“We’ve to make sure that peace and security prevail above all else for our businesses to thrive,” Chiwangu said.

Through a selection process following its expression of interest call, MTN identifies and partners with talented women entrepreneurs from diverse sectors including I.T, network, commercial, professional, and facility-related services.

The initiative, is facilitated by MTN in partnership with DFCU Bank, Public Sector Foundation Uganda, NSSF, Hi Innovators, ATC, UN Women, the Innovation Village, and MTN MoMo.