NCBA Bank Uganda has partnered with MAT Abacus Business School to equip Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with business skills, mentorship, and coaching aimed at improving their growth, sustainability, and contribution to job creation.
The partnership, unveiled on June 25 in Kampala, will provide NCBA Bank SME customers with access to structured business development support under the bank’s Enterprise Development Programme at no cost.
The initiative seeks to address some of the key challenges affecting SMEs, including limited access to business management skills, financial planning, governance structures, compliance knowledge, and growth strategies.
SMEs remain a critical pillar of Uganda’s economy, contributing significantly to private sector growth, employment creation, and innovation. However, many enterprises continue to struggle with challenges that hinder expansion and long-term sustainability.
Through the partnership, NCBA Bank and MAT Abacus Business School will deliver practical training, coaching, and advisory services covering areas such as financial management, governance, compliance, business strategy, leadership development, and enterprise growth readiness.
Speaking during the signing ceremony at NCBA Bank headquarters in Kampala, NCBA Bank Uganda Chief Executive Officer Mark Muyobo said supporting SMEs requires more than providing access to finance.
“SMEs are the backbone of Uganda’s economy. They create jobs, drive innovation, and contribute significantly to national growth. However, many businesses continue to face challenges around access to finance, business skills, and governance,” Muyobo said.
He added that the partnership reflects NCBA’s commitment to helping entrepreneurs build stronger and more resilient businesses.
“Through our Enterprise Development Programme and partnership with MAT Abacus, we are taking a holistic approach to supporting entrepreneurs by combining financial solutions with capacity building and business development support,” he said.
The programme forms part of NCBA Bank’s SME Customer Value Proposition, which focuses on helping businesses access financing solutions, faster credit approvals, advisory support, and tools required to scale operations.
Muyobo said the bank’s goal is to position itself as a long-term growth partner for SMEs by helping businesses formalise, expand, and become more competitive.
“Our ambition goes beyond increasing SME lending. We want to see businesses develop the skills and structures needed to achieve long-term success,” he said.
MAT Abacus Business School Chief Executive Officer Prof. Samuel Sejjaaka welcomed the partnership, saying entrepreneurial education and practical business support are essential for building sustainable enterprises.
“We are delighted to partner with NCBA Bank to provide structured business training and coaching for SMEs to help them scale and realise their growth potential. This will also support Uganda’s broader economic transformation agenda and the government’s 10X Growth Strategy,” Prof. Sejjaaka said.
Under the partnership, participating SMEs will benefit from business clinics, practical learning sessions, mentorship engagements, and customised advisory services tailored to their specific needs.
The collaboration reinforces NCBA Bank’s focus on enterprise development, financial inclusion, and private sector growth by combining access to capital with business capability building.
As Uganda continues to pursue economic transformation and industrialisation, initiatives that strengthen SME capacity are expected to play a key role in creating sustainable businesses, expanding employment opportunities, and driving economic growth.
