Centenary Bank, in collaboration with the African Guarantee Fund (AGF), hosted the inaugural Enterprise Finance Summit last Friday at Mestil Hotel, Kampala. Held under the theme “Empowering Enterprise Growth Through Smart Financing Solutions,” the event marked a significant step toward strengthening financial support for Uganda’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
The summit builds on a landmark agreement signed in December 2023 between Centenary Bank and AGF—a pan-African guarantee provider dedicated to stimulating economic growth and reducing poverty. Through this partnership, both institutions aim to expand financing opportunities for SMEs, enabling them to grow, create jobs, and reinforce their role as a backbone of Uganda’s economy.
Spotlight on SMEs
The event attracted more than 100 participants, including SME clients, women entrepreneurs, policymakers, youth, industry leaders, and development partners. It forms part of Centenary Bank’s broader agenda to increase access to finance, strengthen entrepreneurial skills, and drive inclusive economic growth.
In his keynote address, Centenary Bank Managing Director, Dr. Fabian Kasi, highlighted the pivotal role SMEs play in Uganda’s development.
“SMEs are part of Centenary Bank’s mission-critical portfolio, where we finance over 150,000 businesses. The attention we give them is immense, and we are not about to stop,” he said.
Dr. Kasi emphasized that SMEs are highly labor-intensive, generating employment for women and youth while driving poverty reduction and economic resilience. Citing the 2023/2024 Uganda National Household Survey, which revealed that 31% of Ugandan households are headed by women, he underscored the importance of gender-responsive financing solutions that empower women-led businesses.
He further acknowledged the hurdles SMEs face—particularly limited access to affordable credit. Women entrepreneurs, in particular, often grapple with systemic, cultural, and capital-related barriers.
“This summit provides a platform for showcasing innovative financing solutions, fostering collaboration, and building business linkages that fuel sustainable enterprise growth,” Dr. Kasi added.
Strengthening Partnerships
Speaking on behalf of AGF, Mr. Alvin Ocheng, Capacity Development Officer, praised the partnership with Centenary Bank and highlighted the importance of improving SME access to finance.
“By enhancing financing opportunities for SMEs—especially those led by women—we are not only supporting entrepreneurship but also contributing to Uganda’s long-term economic development,” he said.
Centenary Bank showcased several initiatives designed to empower SMEs, including:
- Cente Supawoman – a program tailored to women entrepreneurs.
- GROW Loan – offering working capital to help businesses transition from micro to small, and small to medium enterprises.
- Financial Literacy Programs – regular trainings that equip entrepreneurs with skills to manage and expand their businesses sustainably.
Thought Leadership and Dialogue
The summit also featured a presentation by Mr. Charles Ocici, CEO of Enterprise Uganda, alongside panel discussions with industry experts such as Dr. Theopista Ntale, Country Lead at Nshuti Financial Advisory Services and Director at New Faces New Voices, and Dr. John Walugembe, CEO of the Federation of Small and Medium Enterprises.
Discussions centered on financing opportunities, risk mitigation strategies, and how smart financing can enhance SME competitiveness in Uganda’s dynamic business environment.
A Commitment to Growth
By convening stakeholders from across the SME ecosystem, Centenary Bank reaffirmed its commitment to building a collaborative framework that nurtures entrepreneurship, innovation, and job creation. The inaugural Enterprise Finance Summit set the stage for ongoing dialogue and action to ensure SMEs continue to thrive as engines of Uganda’s economic growth.
