StartHub Africa Market Access Program 2026 For Youth Agro-Processors

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Applications are open for StartHub Africa Market Access Program 2026. Market Access is a 12-month initiative implemented by StartHub Africa in partnership with SABAA.education – Bildung für Subsahara Afrika gGmbH, and funded by SCHMITZ STIFTUNGEN through financing by the BMZ.

Market Access Program aim at empowering young agro-processors and micro food entrepreneurs to formalize, certify, and distribute their products through structured business training, UNBS certification support, and direct market linkages in Uganda.

The project focuses on improving access to formal markets for young small business owners operating in Uganda’s agro-processing and food industry. Through practical business training, certification support, and structured distribution systems, the program helps entrepreneurs transition from informal selling to supplying supermarkets and retail outlets.

StartHub Africa Market Access Program Benefits

Participants will receive practical business training through three focused modules, allowing entrepreneurs to choose areas most relevant to their businesses.
These include pricing, profitability and bookkeeping; packaging and UNBS standards; and marketing and customer acquisition.
The programme also provides comprehensive UNBS certification support, including coverage of laboratory testing fees, packaging compliance advisory, and facilitation of certificate issuance to help businesses meet regulatory standards.
In addition, participants gain structured market access and distribution support. This includes product listing in market brochures, direct linkages to supermarkets, and coordinated product distribution systems that connect producers to formal retail channels.

Eligibility Criteria

Youth aged 18-35 producing processed food products (e.g., dried beans, porridge, honey, peanut butter)
Have businesses in the Greater Kampala, Gulu, or Lira
Are micro-entrepreneurs in the food sector
Are committed to growing their businesses and accessing formal markets
Can attend 1.5-day training sessions in their region