Over 50 SMEs Complete Green Jobs Bootcamps

What the report says

More than 50 small and medium enterprises from Kampala Metropolitan, Busoga and West Nile have completed three-day business growth bootcamps focused on Uganda’s green and circular economy, according to Nile Post. The sessions were held under the WeWork — Green and Decent Jobs for Youth project, delivered through The Good Green Business Accelerator and implemented by SHONA Group with Enabel and the Government of Uganda. Funding came from the European Union and the Kingdom of Belgium.

The report says the programme drew businesses from a larger pool of applicants working in areas such as renewable energy, sustainable farming, smart irrigation, sustainable fashion, eco-tourism, waste management, green construction, green manufacturing and digital marketplaces for green materials. Organisers said the initiative is meant to help SMEs build stronger operations, improve access to finance and connect with talent, while supporting job creation for young people and better use of resources.

Nile Post also noted that SMEs make up a large share of Uganda’s private sector and industrial output, which underscores why efforts to strengthen them are being treated as important for the wider economy. In the article, SHONA Group said the goal is to help entrepreneurs become more deliberate about building green businesses rather than doing so by chance.

Participants said the bootcamps gave them practical skills, new ideas and networking opportunities. The next phase will include continued advisory support, capacity building and possible matching grants, including wage support for newly hired young workers for up to six months.