On May 12 and 13, 2025, the city of Gulu became the starting point of an exciting journey toward women’s economic empowerment and green transformation. GOPA Worldwide Consultants, in partnership with GIZ WE4D and the Ministry of Gender, Labour & Social Development, officially kicked off an onboarding session for four Business Development Experts from Northern Uganda. The two-day training was designed to build their capacity in gender-sensitive business diagnostics and strengthen their ability to offer impactful, inclusive advisory services. With a strong focus on women-led businesses and sustainable growth, this session marked a crucial step in shaping a greener, more equitable future for the region.

To drive meaningful impact at the grassroots, the WEEG-UWEP project team has selected 20 passionate Business Development Experts from across Uganda who were carefully identified through local partner organisations such as entrepreneurship hubs, business chambers, and associations. These experts are now undergoing onboarding and training, after which they will be deployed to all four regions of the country (Northern, Western, Eastern and Central) to support women entrepreneurs and champion inclusive, green economic growth.

With a bold vision to transform local economies, this project is set to enhance the competitiveness of 600 UWEP Women Groups across Uganda. With the goal to create jobs in green sectors, boost incomes, and improve gender-specific working conditions for women. Given that most of these groups are based in rural areas, it is expected that around 85% will engage in sustainable economic activities such as agriculture, agro-processing, eco-tourism, and circular economy ventures like waste management. By supporting these women, the project is not only empowering communities but also driving Uganda’s transition toward a greener, more inclusive economy.

GIZ’s Employment Promotion for Women in the Green Transformation in Africa (WE4D): Uganda formed a strategic partnership with the Ministry of Gender, Labour & Social Development (MGLSD), which serves as both a political and implementing partner. MGLSD holds the official mandate to oversee gender-related issues and the promotion of green jobs in Uganda. In line with this, the Ministry established the Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Programme (UWEP) in 2015/2016, aiming to empower Ugandan women by increasing their income levels and enhancing their contributions to the country’s economic development.