The Standard Chartered Foundation has provided a combined $50,000 in catalytic funding to five women-led start-ups in Uganda. The funding is part of the Standard Chartered Foundation Women in Tech Programme, a three-year initiative aimed at supporting women-led technology and tech-enabled businesses. The programme is implemented by Innovation Village in partnership with Future Lab. The five start-ups, including AeroCAD Learner, Ingo Female Transporter, MobiKlinic Holdings, Rhizonecare Ventures, and Che Innovations Uganda, each received $10,000.
The funding was awarded after a competitive pitch process held as part of the graduation of the programme's second cohort. The programme provides business acceleration, mentorship, investment-readiness training, networking opportunities, and exposure to investors and other players in Uganda's innovation ecosystem. The start-ups completed a six-month programme that equipped them with the skills and knowledge needed to grow their businesses. The programme seeks to strengthen the pipeline of women-led enterprises and contribute to innovation, job creation, and inclusive economic development.
Japheth Kawanguzi, Chief Executive Officer of Innovation Village, said the catalytic funding would enable the five businesses to build on the knowledge, networks, and investment-readiness skills acquired during the programme. The funding provides an opportunity for the start-ups to translate their skills into the next phase of their businesses. Kawanguzi added that the programme had demonstrated the capacity of women entrepreneurs to develop technology-driven solutions to challenges across different sectors.
The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Jonard Asiimwe, commended the programme for contributing to Uganda's innovation ecosystem and supporting the country's digital transformation agenda. Asiimwe said that empowering women innovators was crucial for expanding opportunity, creating jobs, strengthening communities, and accelerating Uganda's journey towards the Tenfold Growth ambition. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between government, the private sector, development partners, and universities in creating an enabling environment for innovators and entrepreneurs.
Ms Margaret Kigozi, Head of Corporate Affairs, Brand and Marketing at Standard Chartered Bank Uganda, congratulated the graduates and called for greater collaboration to build a stronger pipeline of investable women-led businesses. Kigozi said that women entrepreneurs needed access to capital, visibility, and long-term ecosystem support. She added that the programme celebrated courage, innovation, and the belief that when women lead in technology, they transform entire communities and economies.
Sanjay Rughani, Chief Executive Officer of Standard Chartered Bank Uganda, said the graduation marked the culmination of months of learning, mentorship, and business development for the participating entrepreneurs. Rughani congratulated the graduates and extended special congratulations to the recipients of the $10,000 catalytic funding. He said the Women in Tech Programme aligned with Uganda's national development aspirations and the country's Tenfold Growth Strategy.
The five businesses receiving the catalytic funding will use the investment to support their respective growth and scalability plans. The programme has demonstrated the growing role of technology and innovation in addressing social and economic challenges in Uganda. The graduation brings together women-led businesses developing solutions across different sectors, showcasing the potential for women-led enterprises to drive inclusive economic growth and unlock opportunities for underserved groups.
Key points
- The Standard Chartered Foundation provides $50,000 in funding to five women-led start-ups in Uganda.
- The funding is part of the Standard Chartered Foundation Women in Tech Programme, a three-year initiative aimed at supporting women-led technology and tech-enabled businesses.
- The programme provides business acceleration, mentorship, investment-readiness training, and networking opportunities to women-led enterprises.
