Kampala, Uganda — Equity Bank Uganda is positioning itself as a trusted partner in unlocking vast investment and trade opportunities across Uganda and the broader East African region, according to Priya Chana, Associate Director of Strategy and Capital Allocation at Equity Group.
Speaking during last week’s webinar themed “Exploring Trade and Investment Opportunities in Uganda”, Chana outlined the Group’s ambitious Africa Recovery and Resilience Plan (ARP)—a strategy designed to drive transformative growth, resilience, and inclusivity across the continent.
“Equity is more than just a bank,” Chana emphasized. “We’re a purpose-driven institution rooted in a mission to transform lives, give dignity, and expand opportunities for wealth creation.”
With a presence spanning six East and Central African countries and over 18 million customers, Equity Group is the region’s largest financial institution by customer base. Chana highlighted its unique value proposition of being “locally grounded and globally connected”, serving a diverse clientele ranging from rural farmers and MSMEs to large corporations, cross-border traders, and international partners.
A Vision Rooted in Resilience and Inclusive Growth
At the heart of Equity’s strategy is the Africa Recovery and Resilience Plan, conceived during the COVID-19 pandemic. The ARP has since evolved into a long-term blueprint for economic transformation, now guiding not only the Group’s operations but also shaping the thinking of governments, private sector players, and development institutions.
“Now more than ever, Africa needs bold, coordinated, and scalable interventions,” Chana stated. “The ARP is designed to catalyse economic recovery through private sector-led development.”
The plan targets key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, trade, and SME development, while prioritising financial inclusion and capacity-building. It also aligns with broader continental goals like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Chana described the ARP’s goal as creating a “demand-driven and synergistic transformation” of Africa by:
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Empowering raw material producers
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Strengthening African manufacturing through formalised value chains
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Connecting sectors to global supply chains and capital markets
“We’re taking Africa—with your support—to the world, and bringing the world to the continent,” she added.
A Three-Pillar Model and Six Strategic Focus Areas
Equity’s implementation of the ARP is driven by a tri-engine business model focused on:
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Social impact
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Economic growth
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Sustainability
This model supports value chain financing, green economy investments, and inclusive development.
The ARP is anchored on six integrated pillars:
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Food, Agriculture & Extractives – Enhancing productivity and market access.
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Manufacturing, Trade & Services – Promoting industrialisation and local value addition.
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Trade & Investment – Leveraging the East African bloc’s 400 million potential clients.
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SMEs – Catalysing entrepreneurship through tools, training, and financing.
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Social Impact & Environmental Transformation – Investing in education, health, and innovation via the Equity Group Foundation, which has mobilised over $700 million in grants.
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Technology – Driving digitisation and financial inclusion, especially for MSMEs and farmers.
The Group aims to reach 100 million businesses and consumers, support 5 million borrowing businesses and 25 million individual borrowers, and create 15 million direct and 25 million indirect jobs across the continent.
Focus on Uganda: A Key Growth Hub
Turning her focus to Uganda, Chana underscored the country’s “tremendous potential,” particularly due to its young population and its strategic location in East Africa. She emphasised Equity Bank Uganda’s commitment to promoting cross-border trade and investment, especially in emerging sectors such as green energy and pharmaceuticals.
“Uganda is a key part of this vision, and we’re committed to growing together,” Chana said, inviting participants to engage with questions and comments during the session.
Through initiatives like the Digital Mission Webinar Series, the bank is connecting local businesses and policymakers with regional and global investors and development partners.
Strong Local Presence and Institutional Support
Speaking on behalf of the Managing Director of Equity Bank Uganda, Mr. Gift Sharko, the Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications, Ms. Claire Tumwesigye, reiterated the bank’s core vision:
“To be the champion of the social and economic prosperity of the people of Africa.”
Tumwesigye stressed the importance of knowledge-sharing platforms like the recent webinar, saying they are intended to “foster meaningful dialogue, share actionable insights, and inspire collaboration among key stakeholders to unlock Uganda’s vast economic potential.”
She outlined the comprehensive scope of the discussion, which addressed:
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Uganda’s investment climate
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Strategies to attract private sector growth
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Doing business in Uganda
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Regional trade integration and market access
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Equity’s role as an enabler of trade and investment at both local and global levels
Tumwesigye emphasised that financial intermediation remains central to the bank’s operations. Equity Bank Uganda actively supports GDP-driving sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, trade, health, and extractives.
“By working closely with government institutions and relevant agencies, we will help investors seamlessly set up and navigate Uganda’s business environment,” she affirmed.
“It is this collaborative approach that ensures both local and foreign investors can tap into Uganda’s opportunities with clarity and confidence.”
