Stanbic Incubator and GIZ launch capacity-building programme for women-led green enterprises
The initiative, titled the Green Businesses and Jobs for the Green Transformation Project, forms part of the wider Employment Promotion for Women for the Green Transformation in Africa [WE4D] programme
KAMPALA, September 22, 2025 –– In a strategic effort to empower women entrepreneurs within Uganda’s green economy, Stanbic Business Incubator Limited [SBIL] has partnered with the German development agency GIZ to launch a new four-month capacity-building programme. The inaugural cohort comprises 45 women entrepreneurs, all focused on sustainable business solutions.
The initiative, titled the Green Businesses and Jobs for the Green Transformation Project, forms part of the wider Employment Promotion for Women for the Green Transformation in Africa [WE4D] programme. WE4D is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development [BMZ], in partnership with the European Union and the Government of Norway, and implemented by GIZ in collaboration with Uganda’s Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development.
Speaking at the launch days ago, Catherine Poran, Chief Executive of the Stanbic Business Incubator, emphasised the vital role women play in driving Uganda’s green economy forward.
“This programme empowers women with the knowledge, skills, and access to finance necessary for sustainable growth,” Poran said, noting its expected impact on economic development, food security, and poverty reduction — particularly in rural areas.
Over the next two years, the programme will support 200 women-led micro and small enterprises across Kampala, Wakiso, and Mukono districts. Support will include targeted business training, one-on-one coaching, and access to financing.
“Women-led businesses are uniquely positioned to innovate within green sectors,” Poran added. “They are developing sustainable solutions that address local challenges, including clean energy and climate-resilient agriculture.”
Michael Seng, representing GIZ, stressed the importance of sustainability and local ownership in ensuring the programme’s long-term impact.
“Working with established local institutions like the Stanbic Incubator guarantees relevance and continuity. Our role is to support entrepreneurs on their individual journeys,” he said.
Goretti Serunkuma of Stanbic Bank encouraged participants to take advantage of financing opportunities available through the World Bank-funded Growth Opportunities and Productivity for Women Enterprises [GROW] project, which is specifically designed to support scalable, women-led businesses aligned with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles.
Stephen Segujja, Manager of the Economic Enterprise Restart Fund at Stanbic, urged the entrepreneurs to share the knowledge and skills gained through the programme with their peers and to actively pursue financing opportunities to drive growth.
“This initiative represents a meaningful step towards inclusive green growth in Uganda,” he said. “By equipping women entrepreneurs with the right tools, networks, and knowledge, we are building a foundation for sustainable and impactful business ventures.”
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