Ugandan start-ups are set to benefit from a new Green Tech Incubator and Accelerator Programme following a partnership between the French Embassy in Uganda and the Stanbic Business Incubator Limited (SBIL). The initiative is designed to nurture youth- and women-led enterprises building solutions in renewable energy, sustainable cities, waste management, smart agritech, and other green economy sectors.
At the signing ceremony in Kampala, France committed €450,000 (approx. UGX 1.8 billion) to the two-year programme, while SBIL pledged an additional €237,833, bringing the total project budget to nearly €688,000.
The programme will target more than 200 enterprises in Kampala Metropolitan and the Albertine region, with a deliberate focus on women and young entrepreneurs. Beneficiaries will undergo two levels of support:
Acceleration phase (3–6 months): About 130 small and medium enterprises will receive guidance in business planning, marketing, financial modelling, and organisational growth.
Incubation phase (6–18 months): Another 70 enterprises will be selected for intensive technical mentoring, product refinement, and market entry strategies.
To back these efforts, a €300,000 blended finance facility will provide loans, grants, or equity financing to at least 60 promising businesses.
French Ambassador Virginie Leroy described the initiative as a step toward strengthening Uganda’s innovation ecosystem:
“This programme is about building capacity, unlocking finance, and creating a supportive environment for entrepreneurs who are shaping Uganda’s green future.”
SBIL Chief Executive Catherine Poran praised the collaboration, noting that the incubator aims to train over 1,000 entrepreneurs, with at least 60% being women and youth.
“Innovation and inclusion must go hand in hand. Our role is to ensure that these businesses are not only trained but also positioned to access capital and markets,” she said.
Aaron Akampa, Stanbic Uganda’s Head of Enterprise Banking, emphasised the importance of financial backing:
“Beyond skills, entrepreneurs need liquidity. Our partnership will ensure that SMEs in the green economy can access the right financial tools to grow.”
Since its establishment in 2018, SBIL has trained more than 11,400 entrepreneurs in areas such as financial management and risk control. This new initiative builds on that track record, aligning with Uganda’s Vision 2040 and Green Growth Development
By prioritising youth, women, and green innovations, the French Embassy–Stanbic partnership is expected to spark job creation, strengthen climate resilience, and accelerate Uganda’s transition toward a sustainable economy.