Nano by Necessity: Unlocking Growth for Women Entrepreneurs in Uganda and Beyond

Uganda’s 1.1 million nano and micro enterprises are the economy’s backbone, driving jobs and economic growth. Women lead 55% of them, sustaining households, strengthening communities, and powering local markets. Yet CGAP’s latest research shows too many remain “nano by necessity,” held back by scarce collateral and gaps in digital and financial literacy that limit scale and resilience. What will it take to change that?

We speak with GnuGrid—Uganda’s first and only indigenous credit reference bureau—and the Ministry of Finance. How can policymakers, financial service providers, and development partners design tailored interventions that meet women where they are? And how can an ecosystem-wide response unlock the full economic potential of Uganda’s women entrepreneurs?

Featured Voices 

• Sandra Nakabiri, Senior Economist at Uganda’s Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development

• Dr. Sumayyah SengendoN.S Mutagubya, Managing Director of GnuGrid

• Gladys Kwalisima, corn vendor in Uganda 

Producer: Lamis Daoud, CGAP External Affairs Officer

Audio Editor and Sound Producer: Samantha Malhotra, World Bank Group Interactive Media Program

Executive Producer: Jahda Swanborough, CGAP Communications Lead

© CGAP/World Bank, 2026

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