Country
Uganda

Local Project Partner
Housing Finance Bank (HFB)

German Project Partner
Frankfurt School of Finance and Management

Donor
European Investment Bank (EIB)

Duration
13.02.2026 - 28.02.2028

Female entrepreneurs in Uganda face challenges when it comes to securing financing for their businesses and achieving growth. HFB has set itself the goal of supporting female entrepreneurs in their economic growth so that they can develop their businesses in a sustainable and profitable manner. Micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) are a cornerstone of the Ugandan economy and reflect a strong culture of entrepreneurship. Uganda is one of the few countries in the world that has achieved gender parity in entrepreneurial activities. MSMEs face ongoing operational challenges, including limited digital literacy, weak business relationships, and a high degree of informality. Uganda has a relatively high female labor force participation rate, with women actively engaged in the economy despite unfavorable entrepreneurial conditions, including poorer access to knowledge resources, finance, and means of production. Structural barriers such as limited access to land and credit, combined with restrictive social norms, hamper the growth of women-owned businesses.

In 2007, HFB was licensed and regulated as a commercial bank by the Central Bank. Since then, HFB has become a key player in Uganda's financial sector, with a strong focus on inclusive and sustainable banking. HFB integrates social, economic, and environmental aspects into its business activities. The bank actively pursues impact-oriented initiatives in the areas of education, innovation, and housing. The economic empowerment of women is a strategic priority for HFB. HFB's commitment in this area has been officially recognized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Gender Equality Seal and by international awards. This commitment positions HFB as a strong partner for initiatives to empower women-led businesses. However, HFB's involvement in the microfinance sector has so far only accounted for a small part of its overall activities.

Tasks
1. Provision of tailored technical assistance to HFB to improve/expand its reach among women entrepreneurs
2. Capacity building for women-led/women-owned MSMEs to improve their entrepreneurial skills, professional competencies, financial literacy, etc.
3. Ensuring compliance with EIB processes and requirements, as well as applicable industry regulations and standards
4. Supporting communication and visibility measures