9 Transitioning to a Low-Carbon Economy and Renewable Energy …
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9.4.2 Empowering More Clean Energy
Entrepreneurs
Uganda was in 2015, ranked as the most entrepreneurial country in the
world. While entrepreneurship zeal is high, the same does not trickle
to low employment rates, thereby impelling many youths to go into
business without training (Daily Monitor 2018). The bulk of this business is in agriculture because of the need for food both locally and for
export. While entrepreneur-support programmes and organizations in
Uganda have skyrocketed in the last few years, a handful of these is only
targeted towards energy entrepreneurship. There should be an awareness campaign that shows the opportunities in energy entrepreneurship,
especially concerning biomass.
9.4.3 Business Prowess
A significant need that is arising to enable energy entrepreneurship is
financing and technical know-how. Local sources of financing in Uganda
are currently low and those who need it seek it out from donations.
Banking institutions in the country have stringent rules and requirements for entrepreneurs regardless of their stage of business. This type
of funding is better suited for established businesses, but for a business
in the ideation stage, it is challenging to acquire the financial support
needed because of the too high-interest rates that go to the upwards
of 50% (Global Distributors Collective 2019). With such bottlenecks,
energy entrepreneurs seek out funding which can be a competitive
process.
More to business prowess, the need for technical capacity. Technical capacity building is paramount in getting an energy enthusiast to
become ready for the job market. The Nakawa Technical College in
this regard, runs a solar training course for solar technicians in installation and repair (Sun-Connect 2018). Enlight academy is doing similar
work but targeting youth in school and technical training institutions.
The individuals that graduate from these courses go on to become selfemployed and support big solar companies in their day to day operations.
301
9.4.2 Empowering More Clean Energy
Entrepreneurs
Uganda was in 2015, ranked as the most entrepreneurial country in the
world. While entrepreneurship zeal is high, the same does not trickle
to low employment rates, thereby impelling many youths to go into
business without training (Daily Monitor 2018). The bulk of this business is in agriculture because of the need for food both locally and for
export. While entrepreneur-support programmes and organizations in
Uganda have skyrocketed in the last few years, a handful of these is only
targeted towards energy entrepreneurship. There should be an awareness campaign that shows the opportunities in energy entrepreneurship,
especially concerning biomass.
9.4.3 Business Prowess
A significant need that is arising to enable energy entrepreneurship is
financing and technical know-how. Local sources of financing in Uganda
are currently low and those who need it seek it out from donations.
Banking institutions in the country have stringent rules and requirements for entrepreneurs regardless of their stage of business. This type
of funding is better suited for established businesses, but for a business
in the ideation stage, it is challenging to acquire the financial support
needed because of the too high-interest rates that go to the upwards
of 50% (Global Distributors Collective 2019). With such bottlenecks,
energy entrepreneurs seek out funding which can be a competitive
process.
More to business prowess, the need for technical capacity. Technical capacity building is paramount in getting an energy enthusiast to
become ready for the job market. The Nakawa Technical College in
this regard, runs a solar training course for solar technicians in installation and repair (Sun-Connect 2018). Enlight academy is doing similar
work but targeting youth in school and technical training institutions.
The individuals that graduate from these courses go on to become selfemployed and support big solar companies in their day to day operations.