Over 24,000 Ugandan micro-businesses receive financing from EIB Global in partnership with Centenary Bank

What the report says

More than 24,000 micro-enterprises in Uganda received financing during the first year of a partnership between EIB Global, the European Investment Bank Group’s development arm, and Centenary Bank, according to Watchdog Uganda. The agreement was signed in 2024 and is designed to channel €100 million, or about 428 billion Ugandan shillings, to private-sector businesses over seven years. The facility includes a €50 million EIB Global credit line to Centenary Bank, which the lender is matching. The program focuses on women-led businesses and micro-enterprises in rural areas.

The publisher reported that women accounted for more than 60% of beneficiaries, above the 50% target, while 75% of financed projects were in rural areas, also ahead of the 60% goal. Trade was the largest sector supported at 50%, followed by agriculture at nearly 40%. EIB Vice-President Marko Primorac said the initiative helps improve access to finance for women and rural communities and supports private-sector growth in Uganda.

Watchdog Uganda said the credit line is EIB Global’s largest microfinance loan in any African, Caribbean and Pacific country. It also forms part of the EU’s Global Gateway strategy and the EFSD+ financing framework. Centenary Bank said the partnership has helped it expand tailored services for women entrepreneurs, including business-skills training. The report also noted that some refugees in Uganda have benefited, with 200 loans issued in 2025 to help them become more self-sufficient.