Pearl Bank is expanding its financing across Uganda’s agricultural value chain as it positions itself as a key financial partner in government’s Agriculture, Tourism, Minerals and Science & Technology (ATMS) strategy aimed at commercialising agriculture.
As implementation of the ATMS agenda gains momentum, agriculture remains central to Uganda’s economic transformation efforts, employing more than 70 percent of the population. However, limited access to affordable financing continues to constrain investment in mechanisation, irrigation, agro-processing and value addition.
To respond to this gap, Pearl Bank has broadened its lending focus beyond primary production to cover the wider agricultural value chain. The bank says this approach aligns with government’s push to develop competitive agricultural enterprises for domestic, regional and international markets.
One of the beneficiaries is Equator Seeds Limited, which reports that financing from the bank enabled it to invest in foundation seed production, irrigation systems, mechanisation and farmer training programmes. The investments have contributed to increased output and improved incomes for both the company and associated farmers.
Analysts say such financing models are critical for Uganda’s transition from subsistence farming to commercial agriculture and broader agro-industrialisation.
Pearl Bank reports a wide rural footprint, operating through more than 11,500 agents across 1,935 sub-counties and over 6,150 parishes, which it says supports delivery of financial services to rural farmers and agribusinesses.
Government has also scaled up agricultural financing programmes. The Agricultural Credit Facility has cumulatively disbursed Shs1.35 trillion to over 14,000 beneficiaries, while the Small Business Recovery Fund has extended more than Shs82 billion to over 4,000 enterprises. Government also allocates Shs41 billion annually to subsidise interest payments for large-scale commercial farmers.
As a participating financial institution in these schemes, Pearl Bank plays a role in channeling government-supported credit to farmers and agribusinesses.
The bank was recognised by the Bank of Uganda in April for its participation in the Agricultural Credit Facility and Small Business Recovery Fund. It was also named Uganda’s Best Agri-SME Lender by Aceli Africa during a stakeholder engagement in Kampala.
According to Pearl Bank Supervisor Agriculture and Partnerships, Julius Akais, the recognition reflects the institution’s focus on addressing financing gaps in agricultural value chains.
The bank’s agribusiness lending portfolio grew by 24 percent in 2025 compared to 2024, driven by increased financing to farmers, cooperatives, processors and agricultural SMEs.
Government continues to prioritise agriculture under its broader strategy for economic transformation, alongside industrialisation, digitalisation and market expansion.