Absa Bank Uganda has taken its flagship Business Club beyond Kampala, rolling out regional forums in Masaka, Mbarara and Fort Portal to equip small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with the skills, partnerships, and networks needed to thrive in today’s competitive economy.
The initiative, launched in early September, brings together a powerful coalition of partners Uganda Airlines, DHL, Grant Thornton, and Enterprise Uganda to address long-standing hurdles facing Ugandan entrepreneurs. Through these partnerships, the forums are delivering practical training on bookkeeping, tax compliance, business expansion across borders, supply chain management, affordable trade travel, and succession planning.
“Our goal is to decentralize business support so that entrepreneurs across the country, not just those in Kampala, access knowledge and opportunities that will help them grow sustainably,” an Absa Business Club representative said during the opening session.
SMEs are the backbone of Uganda’s economy, accounting for nearly 90 percent of private sector employment and contributing over 80 percent of GDP, according to Uganda Bureau of Statistics. Yet, many still grapple with challenges ranging from limited financing and informal structures to regulatory barriers.
By taking the forums to regional centres, Absa is closing the gap. Business owners are gaining access not only to financial tools but also to new markets, expert mentorship, and international linkages. Uganda Airlines is extending discounted business travel options, DHL is guiding on cross-border logistics, while Enterprise Uganda is helping family businesses plan for longevity.
The Absa Business Club itself is built on four pillars that is access to markets, capacity building, networking, and provision of both financial and non-financial services. Members are also able to connect with global business forums and tap into wider opportunities through Absa’s regional networks.
The regional roll-out underscores Absa’s commitment to reinforcing the SME ecosystem at a time when youth-driven entrepreneurship is critical for job creation and national development. With thousands of young Ugandans entering the labour market annually, initiatives like these are helping transform small businesses into sustainable engines of growth.
As the Business Club continues its journey across Uganda, entrepreneurs in Masaka, Mbarara and Fort Portal now have a stronger platform to expand their ambitions, secure strategic partnerships, and compete on both local and international stages.