By David Mwanje
Stanbic Business Incubator Limited and the French Embassy in Uganda have launched a two-year Greentech Accelerator Program worth 687,833 euros to support youth and women running small businesses in sectors linked to Uganda’s green transition. The programme, unveiled in Kampala, will support 200 micro-enterprises.
The accelerator will target enterprises involved in sustainable agriculture, waste management, green mobility, renewable energy, water and health, and the circular economy. Of the 200 businesses, 120 will come from the Kampala Metropolitan Area and 80 from the Albertine Region. Support will include business-skills development, access to finance, market linkages and technical assistance.
Stanbic Business Incubator Chief Executive Catherine Poran said the initiative aligns with Uganda’s economic and environmental priorities. She noted that the Incubator has already supported more than 5,700 small businesses and facilitated 76 billion shillings in loans in 2024.
The French Embassy has committed 450,000 euros, with the initial tranche already released, while Stanbic will contribute 237,833 euros. French Ambassador Virginie Leroy said the partnership aims to create opportunities for young people and women as Uganda adapts to climate pressures.
Stanbic Bank’s Head of Client Coverage in Corporate and Investment Banking, James Karama, said the partnership builds on the bank’s long-term commitments to sustainable development.
According to the organisers, the 200 selected businesses are expected to generate new jobs and support wider community livelihoods. If the results mirror the earlier NISAT project which strengthened over 100 MSMEs through training and grants the Greentech Accelerator is projected to increase enterprise survival rates, attract additional investment and raise environmental awareness.
Sectors such as waste management, recycling, renewable energy and climate-smart agriculture are expected to record improvements, especially in communities in the Albertine Region, where climate risks remain high.
