GULU - The second version of the Advancing Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) program, a project from MTN Uganda, has been introduced in Gulu to supp...
GULU - The second version of the Advancing Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) program, a project from MTN Uganda, has been introduced in Gulu to support female business owners by incorporating them into the firm's supply chain.Sylvia Mulinge, the managing director of MTN Uganda, during the launch of AWE phase II at UNIFAT primary school in Gulu city, mentioned that the AWE initiative was introduced two years ago to address challenges that numerous women in business encounter, such as guidance, visibility, and availability of low-cost loans.
She mentioned that via mentorship, the campaign offers women-owned businesses training in areas such as procurement, business management, and accounting. The initiative also grants access to financial services, including tailored assistance from partners like dfcu Bank.
"AWE seeks to enhance the capabilities of women-led enterprises, enabling them to grow and secure corporate contracts. We encourage all women interested in entering the digital realm to apply by visiting our website," she stated while speaking to various stakeholders.
Mulinge pointed out that women from the initial group are now involved in the teams responsible for MTN's fibre infrastructure as a business, installing solar panels on their towers throughout the country, with many receiving contracts valued at 15 billion shillings.
Mulinge mentioned that AWE began with just 15 women, but now 118 women who run and manage businesses are registered with MTN Uganda, which, as they state, has led to significant effects. "When you empower women, you have uplifted the family and society, and that is what we are pleased about."
She stated that for women in business to gain advantages, they need to have at least 50% ownership in terms of shares, the business must have been operating for a minimum of one year, maintain a record of accounts, and be in compliance with tax regulations.
Mulinge stated, "Our goal is to challenge the societal cultural belief and mindset that women are incapable of performing jobs traditionally held by men. Through AWE, we are dismantling these stereotypes and bringing about changes, as many women have taken up engineering roles and are serving as role models for young girls currently in high school, college, and university."
Sharon Nyaika, the project lead for AWE MTN Uganda, mentioned that the initiative was launched in October 2023 to support all women entrepreneurs throughout Uganda. A total of 200 applicants applied, and those selected received training, guidance, and access to financial resources.
She emphasized that mentorship and accessible financing are essential for women in business to enable their advancement and development. She mentioned that, as per a study presented by the World Bank, Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU), and Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), businesses owned by men generate 2.5 times more revenue than those owned by women and are considerably larger and more profitable.
Nyaika mentioned that the research also indicates that less than 10% of female entrepreneurs operate businesses in male-dominated industries, and only 1% of women-led companies submit bids for contracts, which AWE aims to address.
Annette Kiconco, the Chief Retail Banking Officer at dfcu Bank, mentioned that they collaborated with MTN AWE as they are backing women in business through the Women in Business initiative, which they launched in 2007.
She mentioned that, to date, more than 80,000 women within their business network have received financial assistance, training, and guidance.
"As dfcu Bank, we have been leading the way in supporting and encouraging women and businesses owned by women. We selected MTN AWE because it is a platform where women can truly begin to play a significant role and make a valuable impact in the technology and digital innovation sector," Kiconco stated.
Kiconco mentioned that they offered funding worth sh1.6 billion to the initial MTN AWE group to assist them in completing contracts they have successfully fulfilled for both MTN and ATC, and they will keep collaborating with the AWE phase II group.
"Women possess ample skills and abilities, but the platform and MTN AWE are present to provide them with access to funding and enable them to realize their full potential," Kiconco stated.
Dorothy Kabagambe Ssemanda, CEO of ATC Uganda, stated that they have collaborated with MTN Uganda to generate opportunities for women-owned businesses within the technology sector and to ensure these enterprises establish their presence.
She mentioned that they have collaborated with eight businesses led by women, and Sh8 billion has been allocated to them. She stated that these women are enhancing power systems and setting up solar installations on towers, which helps them establish technology-focused enterprises led by women.
Beneficiaries' accounts:Stella Lunkuse, the founder and managing director of Solar Nation Limited, mentioned that she left her accounting career to pursue entrepreneurship. With the support of AWE, she received training in business development and subsequently secured a contract to provide solar units for all MTN towers nationwide.
Lunkuse mentioned that her company has linked over 8,000 homes with solar power, extended fibre connectivity from Malaba to Kampala, set up 80 solar locations for MTN Uganda, and constructed 12 irrigation system sites for the government.
She mentioned that she has 36 employees from four locations, and their wages have gone up because they are receiving more contracts for solar installations. She noted that their income rose by 6% in 2024 and 12% this year.
Rita Nakanzi, the chief executive of Kevmark Investment Limited, mentioned that she received training on how to establish businesses and gain visibility among other companies.
She mentioned via AWE, her business has expanded and now employs eight women from two.
"I am now completely empowered and visible. I can now confidently come forward to seek business opportunities; initially, I couldn't speak publicly like this," Nakanzi stated.
Mayor of Gulu city, Alfred Okwonga, called on MTN Uganda to increase its support for women in northern Uganda as a means of helping them escape poverty.
He asked for focused support for women in northern Uganda to enable them to benefit, develop, and boost their family earnings.
Okwonga stated that Gulu is prepared and willing to accept any investment that promotes progress, as many residents continue to face poverty.
"I will visit your house, asking you to guide women in Gulu so they can become stronger in their business endeavors," he said.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
