UN Women and Equity Bank Uganda Limited have today signed a significant collaboration agreement aimed at advancing women’s economic empowerment, expanding access to inclusive financial systems, and promoting sustainable livelihoods across Uganda.
The agreement, signed at Equity Bank’s Boardroom at Church House on Kampala Road in Kampala, establishes a two-year strategic partnership (April 2026 – March 2028) that focuses on supporting women, including those in refugee-hosting communities, to access financial services, build business skills, and benefit from clean energy financing solutions.
Through this partnership, UN Women and Equity Bank Uganda will jointly deliver programmes that enhance financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and digital inclusion, while also strengthening women’s access to affordable financial products and services.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Ms. Adekemi Ndieli, UN Women Deputy Country Representative, emphasised the importance of private sector collaboration in achieving gender equality:
“This partnership reflects our shared commitment to ensuring that women—especially those in underserved and vulnerable communities—have the tools, resources, and opportunities to thrive economically. By working together, we can accelerate progress toward inclusive growth and sustainable development.”
On behalf of Equity Bank Uganda, Gift Shoko, Managing Director, highlighted the bank’s role in driving inclusive finance:
“Equity Bank Uganda is proud to partner with UN Women to dismantle barriers that prevent women from achieving economic autonomy. Our commitment goes beyond financial products; we are offering training, digital literacy, and clean energy solutions to ensure women can compete and succeed in today’s economy.
We believe inclusive finance is the foundation of inclusive growth. Together, we will empower women to transform their enterprises and their communities.”
The partnership will focus on expanding access to financial services, including savings, credit, and digital banking solutions for women and underserved populations, delivering financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and digital skills training, supporting women-led agribusinesses and cooperatives, promoting clean energy financing solutions accessible to low-income and rural communities, and strengthening social protection and resilience, particularly in refugee-hosting areas.
UN Women will provide technical expertise, community mobilisation, and policy support, while Equity Bank Uganda will offer tailored financial products, training, and advisory services. The partnership will be implemented through a jointly developed work plan with clear targets and measurable impact.
The initiatives under this partnership are expected to benefit thousands of women across Uganda by enabling them to access inclusive financial services, expand their economic opportunities, and strengthen their capacity to contribute to inclusive and sustainable development. This includes supporting women’s participation in national and regional markets under the African Continental Free Trade Area, which has the potential to unlock greater market access, scale women-led enterprises, and strengthen their role in driving regional economic growth.
