Innovative Business Models and Scalability of Women-Led Clean Energy Enterprises in The Clean Cooking Sub-Sector in Kampala.
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Date
2025-11-12
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Makerere University Business School
Abstract
Access to clean cooking technologies remains a critical global challenge, with over 2.4 billion people relying on traditional biomass fuels that cause severe health and environmental impacts. Women entrepreneurs play a vital role in expanding clean energy access in sub Saharan Africa, yet they continue to face significant barriers including limited access to finance, weak market linkages, and insufficient technical skills. In Uganda, despite numerous initiatives to support women in the clean cooking value chain, many women led clean energy enterprises (CEEs) remain unable to scale beyond pilot or local operations. This study examined the role of innovative business models in scaling women led CEEs in Kampala’s clean cooking sub sector. Grounded in Dynamic Capabilities Theory and Diffusion of Innovations, the research focused on three core business model components financing models, distribution models, and community based approaches and their association with scalability, measured through business growth, market expansion, and customer reach. A cross sectional quantitative survey was conducted with 252 women led CEEs in Kampala, using a structured questionnaire to collect data on business model practices and scalability indicators. Pearson correlation and multiple regression analyses were employed to examine both bivariate relationships and the predictive influence of the independent variables on scalability. The findings revealed that equity financing was positively and significantly associated with scalability, highlighting its value as flexible, non-repayable capital that supports innovation and growth. In contrast, debt and grant financing showed statistically significant negative associations with scalability, suggesting that rigid repayment terms and conditionalities may hinder enterprise development. Distribution models including strategic partnerships and diverse market channels emerged as a significant positive predictor of scalability, though their impact was constrained by infrastructural and logistical challenges. Accordingly, the study recommends: expanding gender responsive equity financing mechanisms; strengthening public private partnerships to enhance distribution infrastructure; redesigning debt and grant instruments to align with enterprise realities; and implementing targeted training, mentorship, and digital tools to support entrepreneurial capability. Gender sensitive policy reforms are also essential to address systemic barriers. By providing empirical evidence on how specific business model components influence scalability, this research contributes to both theory and practice. It offers actionable insights for policymakers, investors, and development practitioners committed to advancing inclusive and sustainable energy transitions in Uganda and similar urban contexts.
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This is a master's thesis.
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Nakawuki, R. G. (2025). Innovative Business Models and Scalability of Women-Led Clean Energy Enterprises in The Clean Cooking Sub-Sector in Kampala. (Unpublished master's dissertation). Makerere University Business School, Kampala, Uganda.