The African Development Bank, in partnership with the Climate Investment Funds, is set to launch a new report titled Increasing Business Opportunities and Access to Credit for Women in Renewable Energy in Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda. The report will be unveiled on July 14, 2025, during a virtual event from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm EAT via Zoom. This initiative aims to highlight both the challenges and untapped potential of women entrepreneurs who are driving growth in the renewable energy sector across East Africa.
Women make up over 50 percent of the population in Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda, yet they lead fewer than 20 percent of renewable energy businesses in these countries. More strikingly, women entrepreneurs in this sector access only seven percent of available commercial capital. This significant gap in financing and business opportunities limits not only women’s economic empowerment but also slows the sustainable energy transition critical to the region’s future. The report calls for targeted interventions to unlock this potential and accelerate inclusive growth.
The research underscores that women face a distinct set of barriers when accessing business opportunities and finance. Structural challenges such as limited collateral, gender bias within lending systems and underrepresentation in key industry networks restrict their ability to scale businesses. Social norms, along with limited access to technical training, further constrain women’s involvement in various parts of the renewable energy value chain, from production to distribution and leadership roles.
Despite these challenges, the report highlights substantial opportunities for women to expand their engagement beyond traditional roles. Areas such as solar and wind energy, clean cooking technologies, battery storage and installation services present vast possibilities for women-led innovation and leadership. By integrating women more fully into these value chains, the renewable energy sector can foster greater diversity, innovation and impact.
In reviewing existing support mechanisms, the report finds that while there are financing initiatives, capacity-building programs and policy efforts aimed at supporting women entrepreneurs, many of these are fragmented and underfunded. This fragmentation limits the scale and effectiveness of interventions designed to empower women in renewable energy. To address these gaps, the report emphasizes the need for more coordinated efforts among financial institutions, governments, private sector players and development partners.
The report offers clear, actionable recommendations for stakeholders. Policymakers are encouraged to embed gender considerations into national energy strategies and policies. Financial institutions are urged to develop gender-responsive credit products and guarantee schemes that can better serve women entrepreneurs. The private sector is called upon to include women-led businesses in procurement processes and supply chains, creating more market opportunities. Development partners are encouraged to increase investments in skills training, mentorship programs and digital access that support women’s entrepreneurship in the sector.
The upcoming launch event will provide a platform for governments, investors, industry experts and civil society to engage with the report’s findings and discuss practical steps to advance gender equity in renewable energy. It invites stakeholders to collaborate on strengthening the renewable energy ecosystem so that women can fully participate and lead in driving climate innovation and economic growth.
This report and the conversation it will spark represent a critical opportunity to reshape the renewable energy sector in East Africa. Empowering women entrepreneurs is not simply a matter of fairness; it is an essential strategy for accelerating the green economy and achieving sustainable development goals. By removing barriers and expanding access to finance and business opportunities, Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda can unlock the full potential of their populations and build more resilient energy futures.
For those involved in clean energy, gender equality and development, this initiative offers a clear roadmap for action. The sustainable transformation of East Africa’s energy sector depends on inclusive growth that embraces women as key drivers of innovation and change.
