By Mulengera Reporters
Thousands of women across Uganda are set to gain greater access to finance, business opportunities, digital skills, and clean energy solutions following a landmark partnership between UN Women and Equity Bank Uganda aimed at accelerating women’s economic empowerment.
The two institutions on Thursday signed a strategic two-year collaboration agreement that seeks to break down barriers preventing women from fully participating in the economy, with a special focus on underserved communities and refugee-hosting areas.
The partnership, signed at Equity Bank Uganda’s headquarters at Church House in Kampala, will run from April 2026 to March 2028 and is expected to expand financial inclusion, strengthen women-led enterprises, and build resilience among vulnerable populations.
At the heart of the initiative is a shared ambition to equip women with the tools, capital, skills, and market access needed to grow businesses, create wealth, and contribute more significantly to Uganda’s economic transformation.
UN Women Deputy Country Representative Adekemi Ndieli described the collaboration as a critical step toward ensuring that women are not left behind in the country’s development journey.
“This partnership reflects our shared commitment to ensuring that women—especially those in underserved and vulnerable communities—have the tools, resources and opportunities to thrive economically,” Ndieli said.
“By working together, we can accelerate progress toward inclusive growth and sustainable development.”
The agreement comes at a time when access to finance remains one of the biggest obstacles facing women entrepreneurs, particularly those operating small businesses in rural and low-income communities.
Under the partnership, women will gain access to tailored financial services, including savings products, credit facilities, and digital banking solutions designed to help them expand their businesses and improve household incomes.
The initiative will also provide financial literacy training, entrepreneurship development programmes, and digital skills training to strengthen women’s participation in an increasingly technology-driven economy.
Equity Bank Uganda Managing Director Gift Shoko said the bank’s commitment goes beyond providing financial products.
“Equity Bank Uganda is proud to partner with UN Women to dismantle barriers that prevent women from achieving economic autonomy,” Shoko said.
“Our commitment goes beyond financial products. We are offering training, digital literacy and clean energy solutions to ensure women can compete and succeed in today’s economy.”
He added that empowering women economically has a multiplier effect that benefits families, businesses, and entire communities.
“We believe inclusive finance is the foundation of inclusive growth. Together, we will empower women to transform their enterprises and their communities,” he said.
The partnership will also target women-led agribusinesses and cooperatives, promote affordable clean energy financing for rural and low-income households, and strengthen social protection systems in refugee-hosting districts.
UN Women will provide technical expertise, community mobilisation, and policy support, while Equity Bank Uganda will deliver tailored financial products, training, and advisory services through a jointly implemented programme.
Beyond improving livelihoods, the initiative is expected to position more women-owned businesses to take advantage of opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), opening pathways to larger regional markets and increased competitiveness.
For both organizations, the partnership represents more than a development programme. It is a bold investment in women as drivers of economic growth, enterprise development, and sustainable prosperity across Uganda. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
