Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) will gain access to business training, mentorship and advisory support following a partnership between NCBA Bank Uganda and MAT Abacus Business School aimed at building stronger and more sustainable enterprises.
The partnership, signed on June 25 at NCBA Bank’s headquarters in Kampala, will see SME customers benefit from structured business development programmes under the bank’s Enterprise Development Program.
The initiative is designed to equip entrepreneurs with practical skills in areas such as financial management, governance, compliance, business strategy and growth planning, helping them overcome challenges that often limit business expansion.
NCBA Bank Uganda Chief Executive Officer Mark Muyobo said the partnership reflects the bank’s commitment to supporting SMEs beyond providing financing.
“SMEs are the backbone of Uganda’s economy. They create jobs, drive innovation and contribute significantly to economic growth. However, many businesses continue to face challenges in accessing finance, strengthening management systems and establishing proper governance structures,” Muyobo said.
He added that while access to capital remains important, businesses require the right skills, systems and structures to achieve long-term growth.
“Through our Enterprise Development Program and this partnership with MAT Abacus, we are taking a comprehensive approach that combines financial solutions with capacity building and business development support,” he said.
The programme forms part of NCBA Bank’s SME Customer Value Proposition, which provides businesses with access to faster credit processes, flexible financing solutions, unsecured lending options and advisory services.
Muyobo said the bank’s goal is not only to increase SME financing but also to help entrepreneurs formalise their operations, improve resilience and position their businesses for sustainable growth.
“At NCBA, we want to be a genuine growth partner for SMEs by helping them develop the capabilities needed to succeed in an increasingly competitive environment,” he said.
MAT Abacus Business School Chief Executive Officer Prof. Samuel Sejjaaka said the partnership would play a key role in strengthening Uganda’s enterprise sector by giving entrepreneurs access to knowledge and tools required to scale their businesses.
“We are delighted to partner with NCBA Bank to provide structured business training and coaching for SMEs, enabling them to realise their full growth potential. This initiative will also contribute to government’s 10X Growth Strategy in line with the National Development Plan,” Sejjaaka said.
Under the partnership, participating SMEs will receive practical training sessions, business clinics, coaching programmes and tailored advisory services addressing challenges faced by growing enterprises.
The collaboration highlights a growing shift among financial institutions towards combining financing with capacity-building initiatives as businesses seek more support to survive, grow and compete in the market.
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