UN Women and Equity Bank Uganda have signed a partnership to advance women’s economic empowerment and financial inclusion in Uganda.
The agreement was signed at Equity Bank’s boardroom at Church House on Kampala Road.
The two-year partnership, running from April 2026 to March 2028, will focus on supporting women, including those in refugee-hosting communities, to access financial services, build business skills, and benefit from clean energy financing solutions.
Under the arrangement, the two organisations will jointly implement programmes aimed at improving financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and digital inclusion. The initiatives will also expand access to affordable financial products and services for women.
Adekemi Ndieli, deputy country representative of UN Women, said the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to ensuring women in underserved and vulnerable communities have the tools and opportunities to thrive.
She said working with the private sector is essential in accelerating progress towards inclusive growth and sustainable development.
Gift Shoko, managing director of Equity Bank Uganda, said the bank is committed to breaking barriers that limit women’s economic participation.
He said the partnership will go beyond offering financial products by incorporating training, digital literacy, and clean energy solutions to help women compete in the modern economy.
Shoko added that inclusive finance is central to inclusive growth and that empowering women will help transform enterprises and communities.
The partnership will prioritise expanding access to savings, credit, and digital banking services for women and underserved populations.
It will also deliver financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and digital skills training, while supporting women-led agribusinesses and cooperatives.
Other areas of focus include promoting clean energy financing for low-income and rural communities and strengthening social protection and resilience, particularly in refugee-hosting areas.
UN Women will provide technical expertise, community mobilisation, and policy support. Equity Bank Uganda will offer tailored financial products, training, and advisory services.
The partnership will be implemented through a jointly developed work plan with clear targets and measurable outcomes.
Officials said the initiatives are expected to benefit thousands of women across Uganda by expanding access to financial services and economic opportunities.
The programme will also support women’s participation in national and regional markets under the African Continental Free Trade Area, which is expected to widen market access and scale women-led enterprises.
