The second phase of the Advancing Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) programme has been officially launched.Originally launched in October 2023 as a three-year initiative running until November 2026, the AWE programme was established to increase the participation of women-owned businesses within MTN Uganda’s supply chain ecosystem across sectors, including IT, technical network services, commercial operations and facility management.Since its inception, the programme has recorded a significant impact. Over 40 women-owned enterprises secured contracts worth more than Shs 18 billion during the first phase of implementation, while MTN Uganda onboarded 118 women entrepreneurs in 2024 as part of its target to integrate 250 women suppliers by 2025.Operating under the theme “She Means Business,” the second phase of AWE now focuses on helping women-owned SMEs transition from informal operations into corporate-ready, scalable and investment-ready businesses. Speaking during the launch, MTN Uganda CEO Sylvia Mulinge said the initiative reflects MTN’s broader commitment to inclusive economic growth and sustainable enterprise development.Sylvia Mulinge“Women entrepreneurs are essential contributors to Uganda’s economy. Through the second phase of AWE, we are creating opportunities for women-led businesses to access corporate markets, strengthen their operational capacity and grow sustainably,” said Mulinge.The programme provides mentorship, procurement readiness training, financial literacy, digital systems support, investor preparedness and networking opportunities for participating SMEs. Eligibility for the programme includes businesses that are at least 50 per cent woman-owned, operational for more than one year, tax compliant and generating annual turnover above Shs 60 million.The initiative is implemented in partnership with DFCU Bank Women in Business, American Towers Company Uganda, Innovation Village, Private Sector Foundation Uganda and NSSF Hi Innovators, among others.Over the course of 2026, the second phase of AWE will include accelerator trainings, mentorship engagements, investor pitch sessions, demo days and supplier development activities designed to strengthen women-led enterprises for long-term growth and sustainability.The post MTN launches second phase of Advancing Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) programme appeared first on The Observer.