Reimagining the Pathway out of Poverty
Women's Economic Empowerment
Hands of Hope Africa reaches women entrepreneurs in rural Uganda who are overlooked by formal systems, pairing practical business support with accessible finance so they can turn existing skills and small businesses into stable sources of income.
The challenge
Bridging the finance gap for women entrepreneurs
Across Uganda, women are already building livelihoods as tailors, hairdressers, farmers, and traders. They have skills, they have customers and ambition to grow. But systemic barriers prevent them from accessing the capital and practical support they needed to grow.
These small and informal businesses, largely run by women, are often excluded from conventional finance because they lack collateral, formal records or established banking relationships.
HOHA helps bridge this gap by listening first, working through trusted local relationships and pairing accessible finance with practical business support. Our model aims to prove the capability of women entrepreneurs, transitioning them to formal financing at fair rates.
our approach
Investing in Women
We invest directly in women with the skills, resources and financial support they need to build sustainable livelihoods and create a better future for themselves and their families.
We help women build practical, income-generating skills and turn what they already know into opportunity. Through vocational and business training, women gain the tools and confidence to build livelihoods of their own.
We provide accessible funding to women who are often excluded from traditional finance. Small business loans give women the boost they need to start a business, invest in what is already working and create more reliable sources of income.
We work alongside women as they put their skills and capital into action. Through trusted local partnerships and ongoing guidance, women have the support to overcome challenges, strengthen their businesses and work toward lasting financial independence.
our approach in action
Supporting women entrepreneurs left out of finance
Across Uganda, many women have the skills, ideas and determination to build thriving businesses. But without access to affordable finance and the right support, they can struggle to invest, grow and build more secure livelihoods.
HOHA helps close this gap by investing in women with practical skills, accessible capital and ongoing support, giving entrepreneurs the boost they need to move their businesses forward.
meet sylvia
Sylvia started by splitting and selling firewood in her community to earn a living and support her family. Her business began small, but demand quickly grew, including an opportunity to supply local factories.
Without access to traditional finance, she didn’t have the capital to take on those larger contracts. A HOHA business loan gave Sylvia the boost she needed to expand, secure multiple contracts and grow from selling small quantities locally to delivering firewood by the truckload.
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With this loan I now have more then 5 trucks of firewood supplying local factories. I hope to keep growing and be known in other villages.
Support our cause
Be Part of the Journey
Whether you give, partner with us or follow along, you can help open more doors for women building businesses, supporting their families and creating stronger futures.
Help fund business loans, training and ongoing support for women entrepreneurs.
We partner with NGOs, MFIs and companies looking to sponsor and strengthen parts of the programme.
Follow our journey on social media and stay connected to the women, stories and progress behind the work.
