Call for Applications: StartHub Africa Market Access Program 2026 (12-Month Support for Youth Agro-Processors)

StartHub Africa is now accepting applications for its Market Access Program 2026, a 12-month initiative supporting youth agro-processors in Uganda.

Implemented in partnership with SABAA – Bildung für Subsahara Afrika gGmbH and funded by SCHMITZ STIFTUNGEN through the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the program helps young entrepreneurs transition from informal sales to formal retail markets.

About the Program

The Market Access Program equips participants with the tools, knowledge, and networks to scale sustainably. It focuses on:

• Strengthening business systems
• Improving compliance standards
• Building structured distribution and retail linkages

Through practical training, certification support, and market connections, participants can access supermarkets and organized distribution networks.

Who Can Apply

• Youth aged 18–35
• Operating micro-enterprises in Uganda’s food processing sector (e.g., dried beans, porridge, honey, peanut butter)
• Located in Greater Kampala, Gulu, or Lira
• Committed to growing their business and accessing formal markets
• Available to attend 1.5-day regional training sessions

Program Benefits

Participants will gain:

• Practical business training through three modules:
  1. Pricing, profitability, and bookkeeping
  2. Packaging and UNBS compliance standards
  3. Marketing and customer acquisition
• UNBS certification support, covering laboratory testing fees, packaging advisory, and certificate facilitation
• Market access and distribution support, including:
  • Product listing in brochures
  • Direct linkages to supermarkets
  • Coordinated distribution systems connecting producers to formal retail channels

How to Apply

Entrepreneurs interested in the program can apply here:
StartHub Africa Market Access Program Application

For more information about the program, visit:
StartHub Africa Program Details