Absa Bank Uganda, through its Absa Business Club, has highlighted the potential of Ugandan small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) at the UK–Africa Business Forum, scheduled for Friday, 12 September 2025 in London.
The Absa delegation includes members of the Absa Business Club, an enhanced platform designed to accelerate SME growth through holistic business support, strategic networking, and access to both regional and international markets.
The Forum is a flagship annual event that convenes business leaders, policymakers, investors, entrepreneurs, and professionals to explore opportunities for trade, investment, and partnerships between Africa and the United Kingdom.
“We are pleased to unlock growth opportunities for our customers through this Forum, which enables entrepreneurs to explore markets beyond our borders. Despite Uganda’s trade potential, many SMEs still face barriers in accessing international markets, attracting global capital, and forging high-value partnerships. Platforms like these are vital for knowledge exchange, identifying prospects, and gaining fresh insights to scale their businesses,” said David Wandera, Managing Director, Absa Bank Uganda.
According to the UK Department for Business and Trade, UK–Uganda trade in goods and services reached £606 million (shs2.9 trillion) as of June 2024. Of this, Uganda exported £123 million (shs 605 billion) worth of goods to the UK, while importing £483 million (shs 2.3 trillion) worth of goods.
Therefore, the forum represents a timely opportunity for deeper engagement and addressing trade imbalances.
“At Absa, we believe that optimising opportunities for international trade has significant benefits for the country’s economy and its entrepreneurs. The growth of e-commerce, supported by digital marketplaces, payment gateways, and online logistics, is already reducing barriers to cross-border trade. To complement this, we have developed tailor-made financing solutions for SMEs including unsecured loans, vehicle and asset financing, and trade finance services,” said Moses Rutahigwa, Retail and Business Banking Director, Absa Bank Uganda.
“Beyond financing, we are launching Diaspora Banking at this year’s forum to connect Ugandans abroad with home opportunities. Through the Absa Business Club and platforms like the UK–Africa Business Forum, we aim to bridge the gaps that isolate SMEs from markets, opportunities, and access to capital because sustainable growth is best achieved through partnerships and collaboration,” he added.
Events like the UK–Africa Business Forum are seen as vital catalysts for expanding export markets, increasing investor inflows, and boosting international exposure for Ugandan enterprises.
As part of the delegation, Irene Mutyaba, Absa Bank Uganda’s Corporate Banking Director, will join the Forum as a panelist, sharing insights on how finance can unlock opportunities and drive inclusive growth by channelling capital into strategic enterprise investments.
In addition to participating in the main Summit, the Absa Bank Uganda delegation will engage in high-level meetings with multinational corporates across sectors including telecommunications, commodities, and industrial supply.
The team will also connect with officials from the British Chambers of Commerce and take part in investor-matching sessions in sectors such as FMCG, food manufacturing, and pharmaceuticals.
Furthermore, in collaboration with the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA), the delegation will facilitate diaspora account openings for Ugandans living in the UK, extending access to financial services beyond the country’s borders.
The Absa Business Club delivers value through four key pillars including access to markets, knowledge and capacity building, networking and growth, and financial and non-financial services.
