Kampala, 18 September 2025 – The Uganda Green Enterprise Finance Accelerator (UGEFA) is proud to announce the launch of a new call for applications, inviting green small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Uganda to apply for tailored business development support and access to finance.
Supported by the European Union and implemented by adelphi global gGmbH, UGEFA works hand in hand with financial partners to unlock financing for SMEs that are driving environmental and social impact in key green sectors such as clean energy, sustainable manufacturing, eco-tourism, waste management, and green mobility.
Building on Proven Impact
Since its inception, UGEFA has demonstrated the power of partnerships to accelerate green finance. In its first phase, the programme successfully disbursed over 100 green loans, empowering enterprises to scale sustainable solutions, create jobs, and strengthen community resilience. The second phase builds on this foundation, with an expanded network of banks now joining forces to broaden the reach and impact of green finance across Uganda.
Christine Meyer, Project Lead at UGEFA encouraged green SMEs to apply: “We are excited to invite green and innovative SMEs across Uganda to apply for this unique funding opportunity. With the support of our pioneering banking partners and the European Union Delegation to Uganda, we are committed to empowering businesses that drive positive environmental change. We encourage all eligible SMEs to join us in building a greener, more inclusive economy for Uganda”
Criteria for Eligibility
We are excited to receive applications from enterprises that are:
- Registered private companies or partnerships
- Active in green sectors or planning to invest in greening operations like Clean Energy, Sustainable Transport, Green Manufacturing, Sustainable Tourism, Waste Management
- Operational for 2+ years, with proven market traction
- In possession of financial records
UGEFA encourages applications from all entrepreneurs and is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all applicants.
Benefits of UGEFA: Tailored Capacity Building, Loan Application Support, and Much More
Selected businesses receive finance-oriented business development support through interactive Catalyser workshops, designed to help them develop robust growth and financial plans for successful scaling and access to external financing. The workshops employ practical, easy-to-use tools that have been tested and proven by green entrepreneurs worldwide, equipping participants to effectively prepare for and manage business growth. Strong emphasis is also placed on peer-to-peer learning and networking with fellow entrepreneurs, as well as the showcasing of UGEFA enterprises during high-level events and ongoing ecosystem-building activities.
After successfully completing the UGEFA Catalyser, participating SMEs become eligible to apply for a discounted loan from one of the partner banks including dfcu Bank, Equity Bank, Housing Finance Bank, I&M Bank, NCBA Bank, Opportunity Bank, and PostBank. A discounted loan, in the context of UGEFA, means that part of the loan is repaid by a grant (between 33 to 40% of the total loan depending on the grant mechanism). Eligible loan ticket sizes are between 36 million to 360 million UGX. By lowering collateral requirements and reducing the cost of finance through market-based mechanisms, UGEFA significantly improves access to and affordability of finance for green SMEs.
Following a successful loan application, UGEFA offers interested SMEs the opportunity to join its Accelerator programme. Through a combination of group workshops and tailored one-to-one sessions, UGEFA supports green enterprises to manage their investment projects and business expansion, navigate organisational development, and monitor and scale their impacts. This post-investment support helps de-risk investments and enables enterprises to achieve strong financial, environmental, and social impact.
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Apply Now
Applications for the UGEFA programme are now open. Green enterprises interested in accessing tailored support and financing opportunities are encouraged to apply via the UGEFA website at www.ugefa.eu/apply. The application deadline is 27th October 2025.
About UGEFA:
The Uganda Green Enterprise Finance Accelerator (UGEFA) is a transformative initiative focused on driving green growth and sustainable financing in Uganda. Fully funded by the European Union Delegation to Uganda and implemented by adelphi global gGmbH, UGEFA supports green enterprises and collaborates with financial institutions and key stakeholders to facilitate access to green finance for Uganda’s SME sector.
For media enquiries, please contact:
Paula Cros Marchena, Head of Communications, UGEFA.
Email: info@ugefa.eu
