Centenary Bank has reaffirmed its commitment to youth empowerment and sustainable development through its active participation in the Youth Conference organized by the Our Lady of Fatima Shrine, Nakulabye Parish Youth Apostolate.
The conference serves as an engagement platform that brings together young people, policymakers, development partners, and the private sector to shape conversations around economic inclusion, innovation, and sustainable livelihoods.
The Bank’s participation reflects its long-standing belief that Uganda’s youth are not merely beneficiaries of development, but key drivers of the country’s social and economic transformation.
As part of the Centenary Group, the Bank has embedded youth empowerment at the core of its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) agenda, with a strong focus on financial inclusion, skills development, and access to affordable finance. As of June 2025, youth accounted for 1.1 million customers, representing 34% of the Bank’s total customer base—demonstrating the scale at which Centenary Bank continues to respond to the financial needs and aspirations of young people across the country.
Through tailored financial literacy programs, the Bank reached over 23,700 youth during the year, equipping them with knowledge in saving, responsible borrowing, agribusiness financing, and entrepreneurship.
Speaking at the conference, Fabian Kasi, Managing Director of Centenary Bank, highlighted the Bank’s role in supporting youth enterprise development through strategic partnerships. These include its participation in the Government of Uganda Youth Venture Capital Fund and collaboration with Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) to on-lend youth venture capital funds to eligible entrepreneurs in Kampala.
“We firmly believe that when you empower the youth, you unlock the transformation of families, communities, and the entire nation. That is why Centenary Bank has deliberately invested in programs that expand opportunities for young people. We shall continue supporting young people with financial education and development to help their dreams thrive,” he said.
These initiatives have enabled young business owners to access affordable credit, expand their operations, and create jobs within their communities. The Bank also continues to support young women entrepreneurs through the World Bank-supported GROW Project, which enhances access to finance and productivity for women-led enterprises.
Beyond finance, Centenary Bank’s youth agenda extends to community and skills development. Through refugee-focused financial inclusion trainings, education and vocational skills investments by the Centenary Group Foundation, and community initiatives such as support to children’s homes, the Bank continues to address social barriers that limit youth potential.
These interventions align with the Bank’s broader sustainability strategy, positioning Centenary Bank as a leader in inclusive growth and responsible banking.
Rev. Father Joseph Mukiibi, who led the Holy Mass, commended Centenary Bank for its dedicated service to the community and commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility.
He encouraged young people to open accounts with Centenary Bank to develop saving habits, noting that savings lay a strong foundation for future investments.
Participation in the Youth Conference underscores Centenary Bank’s commitment to listening to young people, amplifying their voices, and co-creating solutions that address real economic challenges.
As Uganda’s leading microfinance bank, Centenary Bank remains focused on empowering the next generation with the tools, knowledge, and opportunities needed to build resilient businesses, sustainable livelihoods, and a more inclusive future for all.
