Introduction
African Women Agri-Business Network Uganda Ltd is a membership organisation that brings together women entrepreneurs in agri-food value chains. It was registered in 2004 by 6 women entrepreneurs but has since grown to over 250 members operating at different modes of agri-food value chains from all over Uganda. AWAN Uganda provides to its members and other partners a range of services such as promotion of climate smart agriculture technologies including renewable energy technologies, provision of business development services, market linkages and capacity building services. AWAN Uganda is a member of the Graca Machel Trust (GMT) network.
They provide a wide range of services to both member and non-member SMEs such as financial inclusion, market access and enhancing economic opportunities.
TDC grants and coaching
The name of the action for which the grant was requested is “Women in Coffee Export Readiness Project (WICER)”. AWAN will receive 50.000€ from the TDC and the action will be implemented in Uganda, targeting women coffee entrepreneurs from all the regions of the country. With the following specific objectives :
- To support women-owned SMEs in the coffee value chain to build sustainable supply through climate-smart out-grower schemes.
- To build the capacity of women-owned SMEs in the coffee value chain to access market opportunities in Europe and other international markets.
- To provide women-owned SMEs in the coffee value chain with financial and non-financial services to improve production and access markets in Europe.
The estimated results will be that 50 women-owned SMEs will gaind the know-how and capacity to export to EU markets in sustainable way, respectful of decent work, and respectful of human rights.
