Powering Women Forward
Building Inclusive
Industrial
Futures Together
The African Women in Processing (AWIP) Forum is a continental initiative of the African Union Commission’s Department of Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry, and Minerals (ETTIM). It was established to champion women’s leadership in Africa’s industrial transformation—especially in processing, manufacturing, and value addition.
AWIP Uganda is the Ugandan chapter of the African Women in Processing (AWIP) Forum, implementing the Forum’s vision and mission at the national level. Our work aligns with the broader continental agenda to empower women in processing through inclusive policy frameworks, infrastructure, skills development, and access to markets.
We exist to close gender gaps in industry by giving women tools, spaces, and support to build scalable, competitive businesses for Africa’s future.
Services
Enabling Growth Through
Strategic Support
01
Factory Spaces
02
Market Access
03
Equipment Leasing
04
Business Services
05
Training Programs
Factory Spaces
AWIP provides affordable, customizable industrial units for women-led businesses. These units are designed to support production, packaging, and value addition across a variety of sectors. Businesses can own or lease spaces with flexible financing and access to common facilities, utilities, and storage—empowering women to scale sustainably and become industry leaders.
Flexible payment plans
Shared utility access
Secure gated facility
Scalable business support
Market Access
We connect women entrepreneurs to local, regional, and international markets through structured offtake agreements, trade expos, and partnerships. Our model ensures that once production scales, ready markets await—eliminating guesswork and reducing market-entry barriers for products ranging from spices and soap to bioethanol and dried fruits.
Export readiness support
Local buyer linkages
Trade expo access
Offtake agreement facilitation
Equipment Leasing
To reduce startup costs, AWIP offers equipment on a lease-to-own basis. Women can access high-quality machinery for processing, packaging, and energy generation, tailored to each value chain. This model supports efficient production, enhances quality, and allows entrepreneurs to compete at national and international levels without heavy upfront investment.
Lease-to-own options
Quality-certified tools
Sector-specific machines
Maintenance support plans
Business Services
Members benefit from shared services including accounting, legal compliance, HR, and tax support. These back-office essentials ensure women focus on core operations while professionals manage administrative needs. Training is also provided in record keeping, digital systems, and enterprise resource planning to enhance management efficiency and readiness for investment.
Legal registration support
Tax filing guidance
Digital records training
HR policy templates
Training Programs
We offer structured training and mentorship to strengthen technical, operational, and entrepreneurial skills. Courses include product development, export protocols, branding, financial literacy, and clean energy practices. Training is tailored to value chains and linked directly to practical application, ensuring beneficiaries are skilled, confident, and market-ready.
Value chain focus
Mentorship by experts
Financial literacy courses
Hands-on learning sessions
Sarah Nakiyingi
Joining AWIP completely changed my production capacity. I moved from a backyard operation to a professional, certified facility. The mentorship and market access alone have doubled my sales
Joining AWIP completely changed my production capacity. I moved from a backyard operation to a professional, certified facility. The mentorship and market access alone have doubled my sales
Amina Luwedde
Before AWIP, I struggled to sell beyond local shops. Now, I’ve secured buyers in Kenya and Dubai through their offtake support and training programs. I finally feel seen and supported.
Before AWIP, I struggled to sell beyond local shops. Now, I’ve secured buyers in Kenya and Dubai through their offtake support and training programs. I finally feel seen and supported.
Joyce Akello
I never thought I could own a factory unit, but with AWIP’s flexible mortgage plan, I’m now producing on a larger scale and supplying hotels across Kampala.
I never thought I could own a factory unit, but with AWIP’s flexible mortgage plan, I’m now producing on a larger scale and supplying hotels across Kampala.
Brenda Tumusiime
From setting up my accounting systems to getting certified by UNBS, AWIP’s services saved me time and costly mistakes. The support is professional, friendly, and truly empowering.
From setting up my accounting systems to getting certified by UNBS, AWIP’s services saved me time and costly mistakes. The support is professional, friendly, and truly empowering.
01
Digital Tools
Empowering businesses with technology for growth, visibility, and smarter operations every day.
02
Clean Energy
Sustainable power solutions for green production, lower costs, and eco-friendly industrial practices.
03
Product Showcase
Giving visibility to products crafted by Africa’s most empowered female industrial leaders.
04
Community Growth
Building stronger networks that connect entrepreneurs, mentors, investors, and development partners nationwide.
Leads the overall strategic vision and partnerships for AWIP.
Championing women's empowerment through strategic leadership initiatives.
Driving financial strategies for sustainable industrial development.
Advocating for women's roles in economic advancement.
Your Questions, Answered With Clarity Your Questions, Answered With Clarity Your Questions, Answered With Clarity
AWIP (African Women in Processing) is an industrial empowerment initiative designed to transform women-led cottage industries into scalable enterprises. It offers factory spaces, training, financing, equipment access, and market linkage to promote sustainable, women-driven industrialization across Uganda and beyond.
Any woman entrepreneur involved in agro-processing, light manufacturing, or clean energy can apply. You may apply individually or as a group. Businesses must demonstrate operational viability, readiness to scale, and commitment to value addition and export-oriented growth.
The standard cost of a factory unit is approximately USD 40,000. Applicants pay 10% upfront, with the balance covered by a mortgage from Housing Finance Bank. Flexible payment plans, lease options, and group ownership models are also available.
AWIP offers a full package—accounting, HR, tax assistance, UNBS certification, market readiness, digitization tools, and training. Members benefit from shared infrastructure, clean energy systems, mentorship, and professional guidance throughout their growth journey within the hub.
The pilot hub is in Munyonyo, with upcoming sites in Kalangala, Jinja, Lira, Kasese, and Hoima. These locations are selected based on economic potential, proximity to raw materials, and accessibility to regional and international markets.
Our Latest Blog
Learn more from our
Blogs
Get in Touch
