Pearl Bank has been recognized by Bank of Uganda for its partnership and responsiveness in supporting the Agricultural Credit Facility (ACF) and Small Business Fund (SBF), key financing initiatives aimed at accelerating growth in Uganda’s agricultural and small business sectors.
The recognition was announced during a stakeholder workshop held on April 22 at Hotel Africana, where financial institutions and sector players reviewed progress under the financing schemes aligned with Uganda’s National Development Plan IV and the government’s Tenfold Growth Strategy.
Pearl Bank received an award for its contribution to expanding access to affordable financing for agribusinesses and small enterprises sectors widely regarded as critical to employment creation and economic transformation.
An individual accolade was also presented to Julius Akais, Pearl Bank’s Supervisor for Agriculture and Partnerships, in recognition of his role in strengthening collaboration under the Agricultural Credit Facility.
Officials from the Bank of Uganda said the recognition highlights the importance of strong partnerships between regulators and financial institutions in channeling credit to productive sectors of the economy.
The Agricultural Credit Facility was established to improve access to medium- and long-term financing for agriculture and agro-processing, supporting investment across Uganda’s farming value chains.
The Small Business Fund has similarly focused on improving access to capital for small and growing enterprises.
Speaking during the workshop, Bank of Uganda officials underscored the role of participating financial institutions in driving uptake of the facilities and supporting businesses to scale, noting that affordable financing remains central to inclusive economic growth.
The recognition of Pearl Bank comes amid wider efforts to strengthen private sector financing and deepen investment in agriculture, which continues to serve as a backbone of Uganda’s economy.
The workshop also provided a platform for stakeholders to assess the impact of the financing schemes and discuss ways to enhance their effectiveness in advancing national development priorities.
