Uganda’s women entrepreneurs take centre stage at dfcu Rising Woman Expo 2025
Kampala, Uganda – The dfcu Bank Rising Woman Expo 2025 lit up the UMA Showgrounds in Lugogo over two days, turning the spotlight on Uganda’s vibrant women-led businesses. In partnership with Monitor Publications Limited, the event drew hundreds of women entrepreneurs from across the country, creating a dynamic platform for networking, learning, and business growth.
What the expo delivered
The Rising Woman Expo 2025 offered a curated blend of exhibition booths, panel discussions, and practical workshops designed to address the real-world needs of women in business. Attendees had the chance to showcase innovations in sectors ranging from agriculture and fashion to technology and service industries. The emphasis was on practical support—financing options, market access, mentorship, and the digital tools that help small enterprises scale.
Access to finance and financial literacy
A core objective of the expo was to connect women entrepreneurs with financial services and guidance. Representatives from dfcu Bank outlined lending products tailored for small and growing businesses, including flexible repayment terms and credit facilities designed to support working capital, equipment purchases, and post-pandemic recovery. The event also featured financial literacy sessions that demystified credit, budgeting, and cash flow management, equipping attendees with skills to sustain and expand their ventures.
Mentorship, networks, and market access
Networking emerged as a key takeaway, with participants exchanging ideas and forming potential partnerships. Mentors from established businesses shared insights on resilience, branding, and scaling operations while encouraging women to pursue leadership roles within their enterprises. Importantly, the expo highlighted market access opportunities—both local and regional—so women-led startups could expand beyond their immediate communities.
Impact on Uganda’s entrepreneurial landscape
Experts and organizers underscored that initiatives like the Rising Woman Expo are not just events but catalysts for systemic change. By elevating women entrepreneurs, the expo contributes to job creation, economic diversification, and inclusive growth. The collaboration between dfcu Bank and Monitor Publications Limited signals a commitment to sustained support for women-led businesses, which are vital to Uganda’s broader development goals.
Stories from the floor
Several exhibitors shared compelling narratives of perseverance and innovation. A group of small-scale farmers presented value-added products that leverage agro-processing to stretch profits and reduce post-harvest losses. A tech start-up demonstrated a mobile platform aimed at expanding financial inclusion for women in rural areas. These stories illustrate the breadth of opportunities at the expo and the potential for scalable impact when women entrepreneurs access the right resources.
What’s next
With positive feedback from participants, organizers are outlining follow-up initiatives, including ongoing mentorship programs, seed funding pitches, and possible expansion of dfcu’s financial products tailored to women-run businesses. The aim is to create an enduring ecosystem where women can grow their ventures with confidence, supported by accessible finance, robust networks, and practical entrepreneurship education.
Conclusion
The dfcu Rising Woman Expo 2025 in Kampala proved that Uganda’s women entrepreneurs are ready to lead, innovate, and collaborate. By combining financial support, mentorship, and market access, the event helped translate vision into action and set a clear path toward more inclusive economic growth in Uganda.
