Powering Up the West: PSFU Opens Regional Office to Ignite Business Growth
Mbarara City was excited as the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU) unveiled its first regional office, a beacon of hope for businesses throughout the western region. This strategic move signifies a commitment to decentralize support and empower local entrepreneurs.
Gone are the days when businesses had to navigate the logistical hurdles of accessing PSFU's services solely in Kampala. Steven Asiimwe, CEO of PSFU, emphasized the importance of "moving closer to the recipient of this support." The Mbarara office will act as a central hub, offering vital training and guidance to individual businesses and private sector associations and cooperatives.
The Western region is no stranger to economic potential. Asiimwe acknowledged its role as Uganda's powerhouse, boasting a large and productive population and a strategic location bordering Tanzania, Rwanda, and DRC. This fosters a vibrant hub for diverse sectors like agribusiness, transport, tourism, and financial services. Establishing a regional office here allows PSFU to tap into this rich ecosystem and empower businesses to thrive in the regional and international markets.
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Accessibility is key. The Mbarara office streamlines access to PSFU's services. Businesses, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs), will no longer face the burden of travel and bureaucratic red tape to access crucial support for growth. This not only reduces costs but also allows businesses to focus their valuable resources on innovation and expansion.
However, collaboration is paramount for success. Mbarara City Mayor Robert Mugabe Kakyebezi stressed the importance of strong partnerships between local business associations like the Mbarara City Traders Association and PSFU. Working together, they can ensure the office effectively addresses the needs of the local business community, particularly SMEs, and empowers them to reach their full potential.
Women-led businesses are another critical focus. Mbarara Woman MP Ritah Atukwasa Bwahika recognized the need for tailored training and guidance to empower women's groups across the region. PSFU's presence can bridge the gap by providing these groups with the tools and knowledge they need to thrive.
The opening of this regional office is just the beginning. PSFU, established in 1995, has a long and successful history of advocating for the private sector, building capacity, and fostering positive dialogue with the Ugandan government. With its expanded reach, PSFU can now empower businesses across the entire western region, further solidifying its role as a pillar of Uganda's economic growth.
As businesses across the western region tap into the resources and support offered by the new PSFU office, a wave of innovation and entrepreneurship is on the horizon. This strategic move has the potential to unlock the region's full economic potential and propel Uganda's private sector to even greater heights
