Refugee women entrepreneurs in Nakivale Refugee Settlement are set to benefit from improved access to finance, business skills, and infrastructure support under the Generating Growth Opportunities and Productivity for Women Enterprises (GROW) Project.

The initiative aims to increase access to entrepreneurial services for women, particularly in refugee-hosting districts, by addressing key barriers such as limited financing, skills gaps, and weak business environments. It adopts an integrated approach combining financial services, training, mentorship, and infrastructure development.

The GROW Loan Product was officially launched on March 28th by Serena Cavicchi, Task Team Lead for the project at the World Bank, who emphasized the importance of linking finance with skills and infrastructure to build sustainable livelihoods.

Implemented through participating financial institutions, including UGAFODE Microfinance, the loan product is designed to support women with limited collateral or formal financial history, enabling them to access credit and grow their businesses.

The launch event brought together government officials, development partners, financial institutions, and refugee women entrepreneurs, reflecting strong demand for inclusive financial solutions within the settlement.

Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU), through GROW Project Coordinator Dr. Ruth Biyinzika Kasolo, commended the Government of Uganda for its leadership and urged women to take full advantage of the initiative to grow their enterprises and improve household incomes.

The Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development highlighted that the project also provides business training, financial literacy, mentorship, and Women Entrepreneur Platforms, alongside investments in market infrastructure and value addition facilities.

Stakeholders from the financial sector and the Office of the Prime Minister underscored the importance of inclusive financing and continued collaboration in supporting refugee livelihoods.

Early impact is already visible, with beneficiaries like Farhiya Ahmed Abdullahi growing small businesses into thriving enterprises, creating jobs and contributing to the local economy.

The GROW Project demonstrates how integrated support can unlock economic potential among refugee women, promoting self-reliance and strengthening resilience in both refugee and host communities.