Business: Ugandan startups win $40,000 grant to power digita

Six Ugandan startups have been selected for a major growth opportunity under the 10X Digital Startup Accelerator Challenge, earning refundable grants of up to $40,000 (Sh151m) alongside six months of technical support and mentorship.The initiative implemented by Outbox Uganda, a tech hub, in partnership with United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) and supported by Mastercard Foundation is designed to accelerate local tech solutions that help Uganda’s micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) thrive in the digital economy.Out of 78 applicants, ten local startups pitched at Kampala’s Mestil Hotel for the finals on Tuesday, with six qualifying for the refundable grants. These include Everpesa Technologies Limited, Everlend Agritech Ltd, Go Use Tech, Smartfric (U) Ltd, Grouppay (Social Pay) and Greenlife Africa.Shakila Kerre, the MSME & Fintech financing specialist at United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), said the selected startups will receive six months of technical assistance and a refundable grant of up to USD 40,000 to help them strengthen, test, and scale their solutions.“Beyond funding, the selected startups will receive mentorship, strategic partnerships, and connections to mobile network operators, financial institutions, enterprise support organisations, and government initiatives,” she said.Last year, Outbox Uganda invited startups innovating in key sectors like Agriculture, Trade & Services, Health, Light Manufacturing, Fashion & Design, and the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences & Events) industry to apply for a chance to receive technical assistance and roll-out or scale their solutions.