Kampala, December 23, 2025 — The Trade and Development Bank Group (TDB Group) has marked 40 years of financing Africa’s development, reaffirming its role as a key driver of regional integration, trade, and sustainable growth across the continent.
The milestone was commemorated earlier this month at a high-level cocktail reception at the Kampala Serena Hotel, attended by senior government officials, development partners, captains of industry, and private sector leaders. The event highlighted the Bank’s evolution from a regional lender into a continent-wide development finance institution.
Uganda’s Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury, Dr Ramathan Ggoobi, delivered the keynote address, praising TDB Group’s institutional transformation and its contribution to Africa’s development financing architecture.
He noted that the Bank’s journey reflects the continent’s broader aspirations for self-driven and sustainable economic growth.
“TDB Group’s 40-year journey is not only a story of longevity, but of relevance,” Dr Ggoobi said. “From its origins as PTA Bank, it has grown into a world-class development finance institution that continues to play a central role in promoting regional economic integration.”
Founded in 1985 by member states of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), TDB Group has steadily expanded its geographical reach to cover all African sub-regions. Over the years, it has diversified its operations through several subsidiaries and strategic business units, enhancing its capacity to respond to the continent’s evolving development needs.
The Group was represented at the celebrations by its President and Managing Director, Mr Admassu Tadesse, alongside the Chief Operating Officer for East Africa, Mr Wegoki Menan, and the Executive Director of the Trade and Development Fund (TDF), Ms Mary Kamari, among other senior executives.
Uganda, one of TDB Group’s founding member states, has been a major recipient of the Bank’s development financing. Since its establishment, TDB Group has invested close to USD 1 billion in the country, supporting key sectors including energy, agribusiness, manufacturing, infrastructure, financial services, and healthcare.
During the event, TDB Group also launched its 40th Anniversary Coffee Table Book, which chronicles the institution’s growth, reforms, and development impact. Ms Kamari said the publication provides a reflective account of the Group’s journey, from its formative years to its transformation into a diversified financial group with a balance sheet exceeding USD 10 billion.
The anniversary celebrations are being held under the theme “Innovating Solutions to Accelerate Sustainable Development,” which underscores the Bank’s mandate to provide development-oriented financing tailored to Africa’s priorities.
As TDB Group enters its fifth decade, it says it will continue to deepen its role in mobilising capital for development, strengthening regional economic integration, and supporting inclusive and sustainable growth across Africa, with Uganda remaining a key partner in this agenda.
