Deadline Date: June 26, 2026
The United Nations Capital Development Fund, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme and funded by the European Union, is seeking applications to conduct a market scoping study that will support the development of sustainable and nature-based tourism MSMEs across Uganda’s tourism value chain.
The study focuses on sustainable and nature-based tourism MSMEs, access to finance, business development services, digitalization, tourism value chain development, women-owned enterprises, climate-resilient tourism solutions, market ecosystem strengthening, inclusive economic growth, and evidence-based interventions to support sustainable tourism development in Uganda.
The opportunity is being implemented under the FinWise programme (2024–2029), UNCDF’s flagship MSME initiative designed to unlock capital flows for micro and small businesses and startups. FinWise promotes innovative financing approaches, including alternative data-driven finance models and blended finance instruments, to improve access to finance for underserved enterprises and contribute to increased household incomes and improved quality of life in Uganda.
As part of the FinWise strategy, UNCDF and UNDP have partnered with the European Union to implement a four-year programme from 2026 to 2030 aimed at addressing challenges faced by Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises operating within Uganda’s tourism sector. The programme seeks to strengthen the sustainable tourism value chain by improving the business and policy environment, expanding access to finance, and providing tailored business support services. Particular emphasis will be placed on supporting women-owned micro and small enterprises while enhancing the capacity of tourism businesses and local communities to invest in sustainable tourism products, services, and climate-resilient technologies.
To support the design of targeted interventions, the selected applicant will undertake a comprehensive market scoping study examining opportunities, emerging trends, market gaps, partnership models, and constraints within the financing ecosystem and business support landscape for tourism enterprises.
The study will conduct a detailed demand-side assessment of sustainable and nature-based tourism MSMEs across the value chain. This includes mapping enterprise types and archetypes, analysing their geographical distribution, demographics, business size, growth stage, annual turnover, regulatory compliance, business models, service offerings, and the integration of sustainability practices into operations.
The assessment will also examine financing needs across different categories of tourism enterprises, reviewing the availability and suitability of funding sources such as development banks, commercial banks, microfinance institutions, SACCOs, alternative lenders, and digital finance providers. The study will identify barriers limiting access to affordable and growth-oriented financing and assess how well existing financial products align with enterprise needs.
In addition, the study will evaluate the business development service needs of tourism MSMEs by identifying management, operational, technical, and governance gaps that affect competitiveness and growth. It will analyse enterprises’ willingness and ability to pay for business support services and assess barriers affecting the accessibility, affordability, quality, and uptake of such services.
A further component of the assignment involves assessing the level of digitalization among tourism MSMEs. This includes evaluating the use of digital tools and platforms such as booking systems, point-of-sale solutions, e-commerce platforms, supply chain management tools, digital financial services, and online marketing channels. The study will identify barriers to digital adoption and define high-impact digital use cases based on feasibility, scalability, and potential development impact.
The findings of the market scoping study will help shape future interventions that strengthen Uganda’s sustainable tourism ecosystem and improve access to finance, digital solutions, and business support services for tourism enterprises.
For more information, visit UNDP.
