More than 430 business leaders from Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Mauritius, the UAE, Taiwan, and India gathered at Speke Resort Munyonyo for the 4th BNI East African Convention, an event highlighting the power of cross-border collaboration to drive economic growth.
Held under the theme “Beyond Borders: A Legacy of Collaboration, Growth, and Impact,” the convention marked BNI Uganda’s 10th anniversary and underscored the country’s rising prominence in regional and global trade. Uganda’s merchandise exports surged 26% to US$9.3 billion in the 12 months to March 2025, and organizers said the gathering aimed to deepen integration through new partnerships, market insights, and financing opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
As a key partner, Absa Bank Uganda used the platform to spotlight its revamped Absa Business Club, designed to equip SMEs with tools, networks, and resources to compete locally and internationally. “Our Club is one of our engines to grow these stories,” said Moses Rutahigwa, Absa’s Retail and Business Banking Director, noting that SMEs contribute 90% of Uganda’s private sector activity and over 80% of GDP.
The Absa Business Club operates on four pillars: strategic networking, expert training and advisory, tailored financial and non-financial services, and access to regional and global markets. Partnerships with Uganda Airlines, Grant Thornton Uganda, Prudential Uganda, DHL, and Enterprise Uganda expand its reach.
BNI Uganda’s National Director, Diana Ninsiima Kibuuka, celebrated the network’s growth from just four members to over 600 businesses, saying the convention reflects a shared commitment to expanding opportunities beyond borders.
Organizers said such platforms are vital for fostering sustainable entrepreneurship by connecting SMEs with the knowledge, tools, and partnerships needed to thrive in a competitive global economy.