Abstract

This manuscript highlights the participatory social learning theory (PSLT), an underutilized yet viable theory for assessing development initiatives. The PSLT is presented in this article as a means of analyzing the initiatives proposed and implemented for women’s economic growth in Uganda. It specifically analyzes the International Labour Organizations (ILO) report on support for women entrepreneurs in Uganda utilizing the five development imperatives of institution building, human resources, natural and man-made resources, technology, and investment capital. This framework assists those interested in African development to assess the quality of this initiative and ultimately make recommendations as to whether the program has the intended effect on supporting women entrepreneurs in Uganda. It ensures that the future perspectives of African development includes growth as a participatory process with local participation as essential to sustainable growth.

Key words: Business growth, entrepreneurship, women, African development, Uganda, program evaluation.