Uganda’s Rising Woman Expo 2025 spotlights female entrepreneurship
In Kampala, Uganda, the dfcu Rising Woman Expo 2025 showcased the bold creativity, resilience, and leadership of women entrepreneurs across the country. Held at the UMA Showgrounds in Lugogo and organized by dfcu Bank in partnership with Monitor Publications Limited, the two-day event drew hundreds of ambitious women from diverse sectors including agriculture, technology, manufacturing, fashion, and services. The expo aimed to connect women-led businesses with mentors, financiers, suppliers, and peers — creating a vibrant ecosystem where women can scale their enterprises and influence Uganda’s economic trajectory.
What made the expo stand out
The Rising Woman Expo 2025 stood out for its practical focus on growth, access to finance, and market linkages. Attendees heard from successful women entrepreneurs who shared actionable strategies for product development, branding, digital marketing, and customer retention. A series of panel discussions and pitch sessions created a dynamic space for knowledge exchange and collaboration, while exhibition booths allowed smaller enterprises to showcase their offerings to potential buyers and investors.
Access to finance and mentorship
Among the most discussed themes were the challenges and opportunities related to access to finance. Bank representatives, including dfcu, emphasized simplified loan processes, collateral alternatives, and women-focused financial products designed to reduce barriers for women starting or expanding their businesses. Mentorship sessions connected aspiring entrepreneurs with seasoned leaders who offered guidance on navigating regulatory environments, scaling operations, and sustaining cash flow.
Stories of impact from Ugandan women
Participants shared powerful stories of turning small ventures into resilient enterprises. From agribusinesses improving value chains to tech-driven startups delivering digital solutions in rural communities, the conversations highlighted how women are innovating at the grassroots level. The event also underscored the social impact of women-led businesses, including job creation in communities and increased access to essential services.
Key themes shaping Uganda’s entrepreneurial landscape
Three recurring themes emerged across sessions: (1) market access and export readiness, (2) digital transformation and e-commerce adoption, and (3) leadership development and succession planning within family-owned businesses. Participants stressed the importance of networks that extend beyond a single market, enabling women to diversify revenue streams and reduce economic vulnerability during external shocks.
Partnerships fueling growth
The collaboration between dfcu Bank and Monitor Publications Limited illustrated how media, finance, and the private sector can work together to elevate women-led enterprises. The expo served as a platform for practical demonstrations, business-to-business matchmaking, and media coverage that celebrated female entrepreneurship as a pillar of Uganda’s development. Support from sponsors and partners signaled a sustained commitment to empowering women across the economy.
What this means for the future
Experts and participants alike described Rising Woman as more than an event; it’s a catalyst for ongoing transformation. By connecting women to capital, markets, and mentorship, the expo helps build an ecosystem where women can lead product innovation, scale operations, and contribute to Uganda’s GDP growth. The momentum from 2025 is expected to inspire more regional gatherings, policy conversations, and publicly funded initiatives aimed at leveling the playing field for women in business.
How to get involved next time
For aspiring and established women entrepreneurs, staying engaged means joining local business networks, attending similar expos, and pursuing training in financial literacy, e-commerce, and leadership. Governments, financial institutions, and media houses should continue to collaborate on accessible financing options, capacity-building programs, and platforms that amplify women’s voices in the market.
About the organizers
dfcu Bank has partnered with Monitor Publications Limited to empower women entrepreneurs, recognizing their crucial role in economic development. The Rising Woman Expo 2025 reflects a broader commitment to inclusive growth, sustainable businesses, and a future where women lead with confidence and innovation at the helm.
