The Stanbic Business Incubator Limited (SBIL) has successfully concluded training for Cohort one of the Green Businesses and Jobs for the Green Transformation Project, a flagship initiative aimed at empowering women-led enterprises advancing environmental sustainability.
More than 32 women-led green enterprises pitched their transformative business plans, demonstrating how they intend to enhance their capacity to access financing, improve operational efficiency, and amplify their environmental impact.
Implemented in partnership with GIZ, Germany’s development cooperation agency, and the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, the Promoting Green Businesses and Jobs for the Green Transformation Project is running in Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania. The initiative supports women’s economic development while accelerating the region’s transition to a greener and more sustainable economy. The broader Women for the Green Transformation in Africa (WE4D) programme is jointly funded by the Government of Norway and the European Union (EU).
A central focus of the Stanbic–GIZ partnership is expanding training opportunities for women and strengthening enterprises contributing to the green transition—particularly in renewable energy, circular economy, waste management, blue economy, ecotourism, and sustainable agriculture. The two-year project includes four cohorts consisting of classroom learning, workshops, site visits, and coaching sessions.
Fatumah Kayaga Ntanzi, GIZ Programme Coordinator at SBIL, said: “Thirty-two businesses have successfully completed this phase and pitched before the judges. The panel assessed how well participants understood the training, their readiness to apply the knowledge, and their commitment to transforming their businesses.”
Over an intensive two-month programme, participants strengthened their financial literacy, gained practical business skills, and deepened their understanding of sustainable growth strategies essential for success in the green economy. They were also introduced to governance systems, value chain development, and efficiency tools to help reduce operational costs.
“This programme has been intense and exciting. The Regenerate Africa team led most of the training, complemented by exposure visits to industry leaders like Sumz Food Industries. The next step is linking these SMEs to financing opportunities and connecting them with potential investors, including venture capitalists, to support their growth,” Kayaga added.
Charles Kabiswa, Team Leader and Executive Director at Regenerate Africa, said: “We are proud to partner with SBIL in training 200 women-led SMEs. It is inspiring to see businesses adopting greener models whether in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, circular economy, or waste management. Many are producing briquettes, energy-saving stoves, solar solutions, or engaging in agro-processing and food systems.”
Several participants expressed renewed confidence following the pitching sessions.
Veronica Nandugwa Brenda, CEO of Yoola Kasasilo, said: “I was encouraged to expand my vision nationally and pursue government certification. I aim to build a large-scale composite system to convert organic waste into fertiliser. The feedback was invaluable and motivates me to refine my business further.”
Dr. Proscovia Athieno, founder of Aroza Group Limited, added:“I have learnt practical ways to reduce my company’s carbon footprint—such as water conservation, improving energy efficiency, and ensuring a positive community impact. I am deeply grateful to Regenerate Africa, SBIL, and our partners at GIZ.”
