Uganda’s Green Transition Gets Fresh Business Support

Uganda is building a stronger business base for its green transition as France extends support to entrepreneurs working in the green economy.

The partnership is moving beyond short-term enterprise training, with the next phase designed to connect more entrepreneurs with finance, markets, technology and French businesses.

The programme, run through Stanbic Business Incubator Limited (SBIL), has already graduated 106 entrepreneurs in Kampala.

France provided a €450,000 grant when the Stanbic GreenTech Accelerator and Incubation Programme began in 2025. The total investment has reached about Shs2.9 billion.

Green businesses get international links

The programme is focused on women and youth-led green enterprises in the Kampala Metropolitan Area and Hoima.

The first group received support on business models, investor pitches, business networks and access to potential markets.

French Ambassador to Uganda Virginie Leroy said the programme would continue after the first graduation, with France committing support for another 200 entrepreneurs.

“This is just a one-year graduation ceremony for more than 100 entrepreneurs in the green economy,” she said.

“Today I signed a new commitment for next year that will enable 200 more entrepreneurs to gain from the programme.”

The next phase will also give some entrepreneurs international exposure. In November, 10 members of the first group will travel to France to meet green technology entrepreneurs, exchange experiences and explore possible markets.

France’s commercial interest in Uganda’s private sector also covers renewable energy, decarbonisation, digital financial services and green growth.

Leroy said France wants to build connections between Ugandan and French companies while supporting businesses through incubation, acceleration and access to affordable finance.

The partnership also creates possible opportunities for agricultural businesses using digital technology. Such tools can provide farmers with weather information, commodity prices and access to buyers, helping them make commercial decisions.

Finance and jobs tied to green growth

Stanbic Uganda Holdings Limited is also positioning its financial capacity as part of the business support structure.

Chief executive Mark Ocitti Ongom said the partnership demonstrates cooperation around sustainable economic growth.

Stanbic Bank, its anchor subsidiary, has about Shs400 billion available for financing women and young people, providing a possible financing route for businesses emerging from the programme.

The government also sees private-sector programmes as an additional route for entrepreneurs seeking capital, skills and markets.

Minister of State for Gender and Culture Mary Kamuli Kuteesa cited the Youth Livelihood Programme, Parish Development Model and GROW programme as existing government initiatives.

She also called on Ugandans to buy locally produced goods as businesses seek to expand their customer base and create jobs.

“Be resilient. Do not give up. Keep going. Keep working harder, smarter. And let's keep Uganda green and create decent jobs,” Kuteesa told the graduates.

The combination of enterprise development, finance, market access and international exposure places small green businesses within a wider commercial pathway.

Uganda’s green transition is focused on giving businesses access to the money, customers, technology and partnerships needed to operate and create jobs.