Since 2007, dfcu Bank has championed women’s entrepreneurship in Uganda through its comprehensive Women in Business (WiB) program.
This initiative has empowered over 75,000 women by providing tailored financial solutions, capacity-building programs, and networking opportunities. In alignment with the 2025 International Women’s Day theme, ‘Accelerate Action,’ dfcu Bank continues to innovate and expand its support for female entrepreneurs.
In this interview, Maryann Wanjiku Michuki, Chief Business Solutions and Marketing Officer at dfcu Bank, discusses the bank’s commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs through initiatives like the GROW (Generating Growth Opportunities and Productivity for Women Enterprises) program, the dfcu Rising Woman Initiative, and the Best Farmers Competition.
dfcu Bank has a long-standing commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs. Could you provide an overview of the bank’s Women in Business (WiB) program and its impact since its inception?
Certainly. Our Women in Business (WiB) program, launched in 2007, was designed to address the unique challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in Uganda. Over the years, it has evolved into a comprehensive platform offering financial products with favorable terms, capacity-building programs, and networking opportunities. To date, the program has directly benefited over 30,000 women, enabling them to expand their businesses, improve financial literacy, and contribute significantly to the economy.
Building on the success of the WiB program, dfcu Bank partnered with the Government of Uganda, the World Bank, the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development and the Private Sector Foundation to execute the GROW Initiative. How does GROW (Generating Growth Opportunities and Productivity for Women Enterprises (GROW) enhance dfcu’s existing support for women entrepreneurs?
The GROW initiative is an extension of our commitment to women’s economic empowerment. It focuses on providing women entrepreneurs with access to affordable financing, tailored training programs, and mentorship opportunities. By addressing specific barriers such as limited access to capital and business skills, GROW aims to accelerate the growth of women-led enterprises across Uganda.
This program also demonstrated the trust that our stakeholders including the Government of Uganda through the the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Private Sector Foundation Uganda and the World Bank have in us, to effectively deliver financial access interventions for businesswomen across Uganda.
The dfcu Rising Woman Initiative has been a significant part of dfcu Bank’s efforts. Could you elaborate on this initiative and its achievements?
The dfcu Rising Woman Initiative, launched in 2018 in partnership with Monitor Publications aims to recognize, celebrate, and promote a culture of mentorship among women in business. For six seasons, it has provided training to thousands women across the country, organized business proposal competitions, and awarded winners with cash prizes and fully funded study trips. For instance, in Season 5, the top three winners received UGX 10 million each, and the top ten winners participated in an all-expenses-paid study tour outside Uganda
How does dfcu Bank’s involvement in the Best Farmers Competition align with its mission to support women entrepreneurs?
The Best Farmers Competition is another avenue through which dfcu Bank supports the agricultural sector, a significant employer for women in Uganda. For women who practice farming as a business, agriculture is a direct source income for themselves, their families and communities. By recognizing and rewarding excellence in farming, the competition encourages best practices and innovation. Our involvement ensures that women farmers receive the recognition and support they deserve, further empowering them to scale their agribusinesses.
Looking ahead, how does dfcu Bank plan to continue supporting female entrepreneurs beyond these initiatives?
Our commitment to women’s economic empowerment is unwavering. We plan to expand our existing programs, introduce more innovative financial products tailored to women’s needs, and strengthen partnerships with organizations that share our vision. By continuously adapting to the evolving business landscape, we aim to provide sustainable support that fosters long-term success for female entrepreneurs.
Conclusion
Through strategic initiatives like the Women in Business program, GROW, the Rising Woman Initiative, and participation in the Best Farmers Competition, dfcu Bank demonstrates a robust commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs in Uganda.
By providing access to finance, training, mentorship, and recognition, the bank plays a pivotal role in fostering an inclusive and thriving business environment for women.
