Launch of Women Entrepreneurs Finance Code held in Kampala

20 November 2025, 8:16 am

By Ronald Ssemagonja

Partners and stakeholders gathered at Serena Hotel in Kampala to witness the first-ever launch of the Women Entrepreneurs Finance Code in Uganda. In her remarks, the World Bank Country Manager for Uganda, Francisco Akala, described the launch as a new strong voice in the global coalition for change, noting that Uganda has every reason to lead in this space.

The Minister of State for Gender, Labour and Social Development, Hon. Peace Mutuuzo, who officiated the launch, applauded all stakeholders for the initiative and emphasized the vital role women play in Uganda’s development. She pledged continued government support to women entrepreneurs across the country.

“When women thrive in business, economies grow faster, families become healthier and communities more resilient globally. Women entrepreneurs, however, continue to face limited access to affordable credit and tailored financial services. According to the International Finance Corporation, women-owned small and medium enterprises still face a financial gap estimated at over 1.7 trillion US dollars worldwide. Uganda’s launch today adds a strong voice to this global coalition for change,” Akala stated.

The Executive Director of the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU), Stephen Asiimwe, praised the organizers and reaffirmed PSFU’s commitment. He explained that the launch focuses on securing and publishing commitments by financial service providers, with participation from regulators, policymakers and development banks. He added that discussions are centered on expanding access to finance for women-led enterprises, backed by evidence-based research.

It is worth noting that PSFU and the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development were appointed by the government to implement the Growth Opportunities and Productivity for Women Enterprises (GROW) project. The 127 million US dollar project, effective from 20 January 2023 to 31 December 2027, aims to increase access to entrepreneurial services that support women entrepreneurs in growing their businesses, including in 14,000 refugee host communities.