Absa Relaunches Business Club to Boost SMEs Trade and Resilience

Absa Bank Uganda has relaunched its flagship Absa Business Club to accelerate the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through holistic business support, strategic networking, and access to regional and international markets.

At the heart of the relaunch is a bold, partnership-driven model that transforms the Business Club from a traditional banking initiative into a collaborative platform built around the real needs of SMEs. 

The Club brings together credible partners, including Uganda Airlines, Grant Thornton Uganda, Prudential Uganda, DHL, and Enterprise Uganda, offering business owners an integrated ecosystem of support across market access, expert advisory, capacity building, and resilience planning.

Initially launched in 2004, the Absa Business Club has supported over 500 SMEs across Uganda. The 2025 relaunch introduces a refreshed structure built around four key pillars: Access to Markets, Knowledge & Capacity Building, Networking & Growth, and Financial & Non-Financial Services.

“SMEs are the backbone of Uganda’s economy, contributing 90% of the private sector and over 80% of GDP, directly impacting livelihoods,” said David Wandera, Managing Director, Absa Bank Uganda. 

He added, “From access to regional and global markets, expert financial and legal advisory, to resilience-building services like insurance and logistics, the revamped Club is designed to help entrepreneurs grow sustainable, future-ready businesses.”

According to the Ministry of Finance, Uganda’s merchandise export receipts increased by 26% to US $9.3 billion in the 12 months to March 2025, signalling strong momentum in international trade expansion.

Additionally the World Bank Uganda Economic Update 2022, revealed that over 70% of SMEs in Uganda operate informally, limiting their ability to scale, attract investment, or access finance.

Jennifer Bamuturaki, CEO, Uganda Airlines, highlighted the airline’s strategic commitment to driving regional integration and expanding Uganda’s footprint in global trade through discounted travel and logistical support to SMEs.

Anil Patel, CEO, Grant Thornton Uganda, stressed the need for sound advice, strong governance, and strategic planning for SMEs to build resilient enterprise.

“This Club is more than banking. It’s a growth engine and a community designed to equip Uganda’s entrepreneurs with the tools and networks they need to thrive in a fast-changing economy,” added Moses Rutahigwa, Retail and Business Banking Director at Absa Uganda.

Membership is available at UGX 40,000 per month, offering SMEs an affordable path to enterprise development. The relaunch marks the beginning of Absa’s broader SME engagement strategy, including nationwide roadshows and regional trade missions.