Acceleration WE4A Programme Uganda: Funding, Support and Opportunities for Women Entrepreneurs 2026
Explore the I&P Acceleration WE4A Programme Uganda, designed to support women entrepreneurs in the green sector through acceleration, funding, debt access, capacity building and technical assistance. Learn eligibility, benefits, deadlines and how to apply.
The I&P Acceleration WE4A Programme Uganda is a major initiative aimed at supporting women-owned and women-led enterprises in Uganda’s green and transition sectors. Designed to address the financial and structural challenges faced by women entrepreneurs, the programme combines acceleration, financing options, debt access, and tailored technical support. Implemented by Investisseurs & Partenaires (I&P) as part of the pan-African initiative IYBA WE4A, this programme offers an integrated solution to help women-led businesses grow, formalise, and strengthen their long-term resilience.
The I&P Acceleration WE4A Programme Uganda is co-financed by the European Union, the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), and German Cooperation through GIZ. The programme is part of the larger “Investing in Young Businesses in Africa – Women Entrepreneurs in Africa (IYBA WE4A)” initiative, which aims to promote inclusive economic development and green transformation across the continent.
To view the official programme overview, visit:
https://www.ietp.com/en/acceleration-we4a
Why the I&P Acceleration WE4A Programme Uganda Is Essential
In economies such as Uganda, Cameroon, Senegal, and Togo, small and medium-sized enterprises form the backbone of the economic ecosystem. Despite their importance, these businesses face a financing gap of over €15 billion. Women entrepreneurs face additional systemic barriers including limited access to guarantees, gender bias, lack of financial networks, cultural barriers, and disproportionate family responsibilities.
As a result, although women constitute a significant portion of entrepreneurs in many African markets, they receive less than 10% of commercial bank loans. The situation is even more challenging for enterprises in the green sector, which require capital to innovate, create jobs, and contribute effectively to climate action.
The I&P Acceleration WE4A Programme Uganda addresses these structural obstacles by providing a comprehensive support package structured into three components: investment preparation, access to debt, and access to capital. Each component responds to a specific constraint faced by early-stage or growing women-led companies.
Programme Structure: Three Pillars of Support
1. Investment Preparation
This component focuses on helping women entrepreneurs become investment-ready. Through structured business training, one-on-one mentoring, and guidance from experienced investors, participants learn how to refine their business model, prepare strategic financial documents, and plan for long-term funding opportunities.
Support under this component includes:
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Tailored acceleration pathway
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Online e-learning modules and live expert-led webinars
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Mentoring sessions with investors and business coaches
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Advisory support for financial planning and modelling
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Preparation for future access to debt or capital instruments
Apply for Investment Readiness
2. Access to Debt
The second component helps women entrepreneurs access formal credit through guaranteed loans and technical assistance. In Uganda, the programme collaborates with Finance Trust Bank (FTB) to facilitate loans averaging €22,000 for eligible companies.
Support includes:
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Access to guaranteed loans with a 12-month repayment period
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Group-based technical assistance
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Training on credit evaluation, loan terms, and repayment planning
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Individual mentoring to support documentation, negotiation, and business planning
Apply for Debt Access
3. Access to Capital
The third component offers repayable advances to high-potential companies needing capital investment to scale their operations. This support allows businesses to strengthen their financial structure, improve market competitiveness, and prepare for long-term growth.
Where the Programme Operates
The programme operates across four countries: Uganda, Cameroon, Senegal, and Togo.
Implementation partners include:
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Comoé Capital (for Togo)
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Fako Capital (Cameroon)
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Teranga Capital (Senegal)
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Finance Trust Bank Uganda manages debt access for the Uganda pilot programme
Programme Calendar and Funding
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Programme Duration: 2025–2027
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Programme Size: €3.5 million
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Sectors Covered: Green and transition sectors
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Total Portfolio: 140 businesses expected
Application Deadline
All applications for the I&P Acceleration WE4A Programme Uganda must be submitted within the official application window:
November 14, 2025 – January 5, 2026 (11:59 p.m. GMT)
This applies to both the Investment Readiness Track and the Access to Debt Track.
Conclusion
The I&P Acceleration WE4A Programme Uganda offers a unique and high-impact opportunity for women entrepreneurs who are ready to formalise their businesses, strengthen their financial capabilities, and access funding or credit. Through its three-component structure, the programme provides comprehensive support to ensure that women-owned and women-led companies can grow sustainably and contribute meaningfully to the green transition in Uganda and beyond.
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