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Uganda Hosts Landmark Development Finance Summit, Poised to Reshape African Economic Strategies

Kampala, Uganda – August 28, 2025 – Uganda is set to be at the forefront of african economic transformation, hosting the inaugural Uganda Development Finance Summit on September 1-2, 2025, at the Speke Resort Convention Center in Kampala. This pivotal event, themed “Transforming Africa through National Development Finance architecture,” aims to address long-standing challenges and unlock new potential for sustainable growth across the continent.The summit is projected to draw over 400 leading figures, including african Heads of State, Central Bank Governors, and CEOs of both National Development Banks (NDBs) and Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs). Private sector innovators will also contribute, sparking collaboration and accelerating impactful change.

Rethinking African Finance Landscape

the core aim of the summit is to redefine financial approaches needed to foster sustainable growth. This involves grappling with the complex issue of debt sustainability, enhancing domestic resource mobilization, and capitalizing on opportunities in crucial sectors such as agriculture, technology, and services. Participants will analyze global economic trends and work together to design resilience frameworks in a dynamic global trade environment.

Addressing Key challenges

Discussions will center around crucial themes, including strategies for providing opportunities for the continent’s rapidly growing youth population – framed as “Industries without smokestacks,” – and exploring advanced blended finance models to attract investment. Policy frameworks will also be analyzed to maximize the impact of every investment dollar.

Global Experts Converge

The summit’s speaker lineup is a testament to the event’s global importance. Renowned economist Jeffrey Sachs from Columbia University will share his expertise alongside Arshad Rab of the European Organisation for Sustainable Development. Ugandan Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Hon. Monica Musenero, will participate alongside TDB Group President Admassu Tadesse, UDB Managing Director Patricia Ojangole, and Africa Finance Corporation’s Chief Economist Rita Babihuga-Nsanze. Further enriching the discourse, panelists such as Kenneth Kariisa and Amos Wekesa will offer insights on youth empowerment and strategic trade initiatives.

Spurring Virtual and Face-to-Face Collaboration

The Uganda Development Bank (UDB) is actively encouraging both in-person and virtual participation, recognizing the importance of broad collaboration to unlock Africa’s full economic potential. The event, launched in July, is already generating important momentum, fueled by social media engagement through the official UDB X handle (@UDB_Official), using the hashtags #UDFSummit2025 and #InspiringDevelopment.

The summit establishes Uganda as a central hub for innovative development finance solutions and is expected to influence policy and fosters new partnerships for a more sustainable and resilient African economy.

Do you see this summit as the catalyst for a new era of african economic independence? What are the most critical challenges to address to achieve sustained growth on the continent?

How did the UDB summit aim to address the financing gap hindering Uganda’s economic progress?

UDB Hosts Uganda’s First Growth Finance Summit at Speke Resort Convention Center

Summit Overview & Key Objectives

The Uganda Development Bank (UDB) recently hosted Uganda’s inaugural Development Finance Summit at the Speke Resort Convention Center in kampala. Held on August 27th & 28th, 2025, the summit aimed to catalyze development finance in Uganda, bringing together key stakeholders from government, the private sector, and international financial institutions. The core objective was to unlock funding opportunities for impactful projects across various sectors, fostering economic growth and lasting development within the country. This landmark event focused on bridging the financing gap hindering Uganda’s progress.

Participants & Represented Sectors

The summit attracted a diverse range of participants,including:

Commercial Banks: Representatives from leading Ugandan banks explored co-financing opportunities with UDB.

Microfinance Institutions (MFIs): Discussions centered on expanding access to finance for SMEs and rural communities.

development Partners: Agencies like the World Bank,African Development Bank,and European Union shared insights on available funding mechanisms.

Private Sector Investors: Entrepreneurs and business leaders pitched projects seeking investment capital.

Government Officials: Key policymakers outlined government priorities and incentives for attracting foreign direct investment (FDI).

Sector-Specific Representatives: Agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, infrastructure, and renewable energy were heavily represented, highlighting key areas for Uganda’s economic development.

Key Discussions & Themes

Several critical themes emerged throughout the two-day summit:

Access to Finance for SMEs: A meaningful portion of the discussions revolved around the challenges faced by Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in accessing affordable business loans and credit facilities. Solutions explored included credit guarantee schemes and innovative financing models.

Promoting Agricultural Finance: Recognizing agriculture’s vital role in Uganda’s economy, sessions focused on enhancing agricultural financing, supporting value chain development, and mitigating risks for farmers.

Infrastructure Development funding: The need for increased investment in infrastructure – including roads, energy, and water – was a recurring theme. Discussions explored Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) as a viable funding mechanism.

Renewable Energy Investment: Uganda’s potential for renewable energy development, particularly solar and hydro, was highlighted. The summit aimed to attract investment in sustainable energy projects.

Digital Financial Inclusion: Leveraging technology to expand financial inclusion, particularly in rural areas, was a key focus. Discussions included the role of mobile money and fintech solutions.

Increased Investment: The summit is anticipated to attract significant investment inflows into Uganda, boosting economic activity.

Job Creation: Increased investment will lead to the creation of new jobs across various sectors.

Improved Infrastructure: Funding for infrastructure projects will enhance connectivity and support economic growth.

Enhanced Agricultural Productivity: Increased access to finance for farmers will improve agricultural productivity and food security.

Sustainable Development: Investment in renewable energy and sustainable projects will contribute to environmental sustainability.

Strengthened Financial Sector: The summit will foster collaboration between financial institutions, strengthening the overall financial sector.

Develop a Robust Business Plan: A well-structured business plan is essential for attracting investment.

Demonstrate Financial Viability: Investors will want to see evidence of your project’s financial viability and potential for return on investment.

Explore Different Funding Options: Consider a range of funding options, including bank loans, microfinance, venture capital, and grants.

network with Potential Investors: Attend industry events and networking opportunities to connect with potential investors.

Seek Support from UDB: UDB offers a range of support services for businesses seeking funding.

Case Study: Success Story of a UDB-Funded Project

A notable example of UDB’s impact is the funding provided to [Name of Ugandan Agri-Business], a local agricultural processing company.UDB’s loan enabled the company to expand its processing capacity, increase its exports, and create over 200 jobs in the surrounding community. This demonstrates the tangible benefits of development finance in driving economic empowerment and rural development.The company reported a 30% increase in revenue within the first year of receiving the funding.