Caption: L-R: King Tsui – CTO Huawei International Digital Finance, Ross Chen – MD Huawei East Africa, Dr. Grace Ssekakubo – CEO Centenary Technology Services, Fabian Kasi – MD Centenary Bank Uganda, Prof. John Ddumba Ssentamu – Executive Chairman Centenary Group, Paul Houpeiyong – MD Huawei Uganda, Jason Cao – CEO Huawei Digital Finance Group, Victor Guo – President Huawei Sub-Saharan Africa Enterprise Business, Alvin Feng – President Huawei Digital Finance International Uganda
Centenary Group, one of Uganda’s largest financial institutions, has entered a new technology partnership with Huawei Uganda in a move aimed at improving how people access banking and digital financial services.
The agreement was signed on May 21 in Shanghai, China. It will support Centenary’s shift to modern banking systems using tools like artificial intelligence, cloud computing, stronger cybersecurity and better data management.
For Centenary Bank’s more than four million customers-many in rural and peri-urban areas—the partnership could lead to faster services and more reliable banking. This includes quicker loan processing, improved mobile banking, better protection against fraud, and financial products designed around customers’ daily needs.
The deal comes after Centenary Group officials visited Huawei’s global headquarters in Shenzhen in April. During the visit, they explored new technologies and studied how digital banking systems are being used in other parts of the world, especially in Asia and Africa.
According to both companies, the partnership is not just about upgrading systems, but about changing how banking works. Centenary is moving toward what it calls a “Bank 5.0” model. This is a system where technology plays a central role in almost every service the bank offers.
In simple terms, this means moving away from slow, manual processes to faster, technology-driven systems. These systems can process information quickly, detect fraud early, and help banks better understand and serve their customers through digital platforms.
The partnership will focus on key areas such as AI-powered banking, cybersecurity, data centre improvement, digital infrastructure, staff training, and joint innovation.
With cyber threats on the rise globally, the focus on cybersecurity is especially important. The partnership is expected to help Centenary strengthen its systems and better protect customers from online fraud and digital crime.
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