KAMPALA – Equity Bank Uganda has reaffirmed its commitment to driving sustainable and inclusive economic growth across Africa, by going beyond traditional banking services. Speaking at the 2nd Regional Industrialization Conference (RIC), held in early August, Mr. Claver Serumaga, the bank’s Executive Director, emphasized the importance of collaboration, value chain development, and strategic partnerships to build a resilient regional economy.
“Our job is not just to lend,” Mr. Serumaga said. “It is to connect the right players, create conversations, and support real transformation across the region.”
Mr. Serumaga’s remarks came during a high-level discussion on scaling up industrialization efforts in Africa through deeper integration and stronger financial support systems. He stressed that the role of banks in modern development goes far beyond issuing credit.
“To scale regional industrial growth, banks must go beyond financing,” he said. “We must understand the value chains, invest in them, and help build ecosystems that support businesses from production to market.”
The Executive Director highlighted Equity Bank’s \$6 billion Africa Recovery and Resilience Plan as a key initiative aimed at supporting critical sectors. These include agriculture, industrialization, value chains, and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) — all vital to accelerating post-pandemic recovery and building a stronger African economy.
According to Mr. Serumaga, the bank’s strategy is built on three main pillars:
Facilitating access to affordable finance,
Creating platforms for cross-border collaboration, and
Driving innovation in value-added production and supply chains.
“We are creating more than just financial solutions — we are building bridges between businesses, governments, and regional institutions,” he noted.
Equity Bank continues to play a leading role in strengthening trade and industrial links across East and Central Africa, supporting entrepreneurs, farmers, manufacturers, and exporters with tools to scale and compete globally.
With its regional presence and a people-first approach, Equity Bank remains committed to driving transformation not just in Uganda, but across the continent.
