The Market Access Program Uganda 2026 supports young agro-processors and micro food entrepreneurs in Uganda in formalizing their businesses and accessing supermarkets and retail markets. Participants receive practical business training, certification support, and direct distribution linkages to help scale their food enterprises sustainably.
Quick Facts
- Host Country: Uganda
- Program Type: Entrepreneurship Training & Business Development
- Funding Type: Fully Supported Training & Certification Assistance
- Eligible Countries: Uganda
- Deadline: Not specified (Apply early)
About the Market Access Program Uganda
The Market Access Program Uganda is a 12-month initiative designed to help young food entrepreneurs transition from informal selling to supplying formal retail markets.
Implemented by StartHub Africa in partnership with SABAA.education and funded by Schmitz Stiftungen through Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the program focuses on strengthening Uganda’s agro-processing sector.
Participants receive hands-on training, assistance to meet UNBS certification standards, and structured pathways to access supermarkets and retail distribution channels.
The program is designed to improve product quality, packaging, pricing, and compliance, while helping entrepreneurs build sustainable, scalable food businesses.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be 18–35 years old
- Produce processed food products (e.g., honey, peanut butter, dried beans, porridge)
- Operate a micro-business in the food or agro-processing sector
- Be based in Greater Kampala, Gulu, or Lira
- Demonstrate commitment to growing their business
- Be willing to attend regional training sessions
- Be interested in accessing formal markets
Aside from this opportunity in Uganda, if you are looking for a larger international grant for tech and climate innovation, check out the GSMA Innovation Fund 2026 to access funding up to £200,000.
Program Benefits
Participants will receive:
Business Training & Skills Development
- Pricing, profitability & bookkeeping training
- Packaging & branding improvement
- Marketing & customer acquisition strategies
Certification Support
- Financial support for laboratory testing fees
- Guidance on packaging compliance
- Facilitation of UNBS certification
Market Access & Distribution
- Product listing in market brochures
- Direct linkages to supermarkets
- Coordinated distribution opportunities
Networking & Business Growth
- Membership in a network of 300+ entrepreneurs
- Peer learning and regional connections
- Ongoing advisory support from StartHub Africa
Application Process
Follow these steps to apply:
- Complete the online application form.
- Provide your personal and business details.
- Upload a photo of your product.
- Share pricing and production information.
- Indicate certification interest and training needs.
- Submit and wait for communication from the program team.
How to Apply
If you are a young food entrepreneur ready to scale your business and access formal markets, this Market Access Program Uganda offers the training, certification support, and market connections you need to grow.
