United Nations Capital Development Fund

The United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) is a UN agency dedicated to promoting inclusive digital economies in Uganda, with a particular emphasis on supporting female founders in the tech sector through mentorship and funding initiatives. UNCDF's mission is to make public and private finance work for the poor in the world's least developed countries, including Uganda. The organization offers 'last mile' finance models that unlock public and private resources, especially at the domestic level, to reduce poverty and support local economic development. UNCDF pursues innovative financing solutions through financial inclusion, local development finance, and a least developed countries investment platform. In Uganda, UNCDF has launched several initiatives to empower women entrepreneurs in the tech sector. For instance, the 'FinWise' project, launched in 2024, focuses on enhancing access to capital for micro and small businesses through inclusive digital finance. In partnership with the Mastercard Foundation under the 10X Project (2024–2027), the initiative aims to support youth-led MSMEs in the digital economy by improving operational efficiency, market access, and financial inclusion via digital platforms. The project targets 84,000 enterprises—60,000 of which are expected to be women-led—to access digital loans, device financing, and working capital. Implemented in collaboration with Outbox, Refactory, and Women in Technology Uganda, the initiative focuses on financially disadvantaged female youth across 40 districts in sectors such as trade, technology, agriculture, and tourism. UNCDF's approach includes providing technical assistance and administering an Innovation Fund to support these initiatives. The organization works closely with partners to invest in digital innovation within sectors like agriculture, healthcare, education, energy, finance, and transportation. By supporting initiatives such as Startup Uganda and the Kampala Innovation Week, UNCDF fosters inclusive innovation and promotes the growth of startups to mobilize their potential for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Through these efforts, UNCDF aims to empower women and youth, who, due to social and economic factors, are traditionally excluded from digital services, thereby contributing to a more inclusive and equitable digital economy in Uganda.

Focus on female founders in the tech sector, Support for micro and small businesses, Emphasis on inclusive digital finance, Targeting youth-led MSMEs, Collaboration with local partners and organizations