KCB Bank, Mkazipreneur Host Breakfast Meeting in Honor of International Women’s Day

In a decisive move to drive gender-inclusive economic transformation, KCB Bank Uganda, in collaboration with Mkazipreneur, today hosted women entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and financial experts to drive women’s access to business financing, mentorship, and strategic networking. This move underscores KCB Bank’s unwavering commitment to fostering an ecosystem where women-led enterprises can flourish and contribute meaningfully to national and regional economic development.

The event which took place at Four Points by Sheraton in Kampala featured thought-provoking panel discussions, interactive mentorship sessions, and strategic networking forums. The event elements were tailored to provide participants with tangible tools and actionable knowledge, enabling them to navigate the complexities of financial management, market penetration, and long-term business sustainability.

Amelia Kyambadde, Senior Presidential Advisor on Industry, who presided over the event as the Guest of Honour encouraged the women to align their passions with support groups. “There is power in partnerships. To truly empower women in business, we must create avenues that help them navigate market dynamics locally and globally. But have we done enough for the rural woman? Let’s advocate for an inclusive empowerment strategy — one that embraces her not as a beneficiary, but as an equal partner in development,” she said.

Miranda Bageine Musoke, KCB Bank Head of Retail Banking affirmed, “At KCB Bank Uganda, we recognize the transformative power of financial inclusion in driving women’s economic empowerment. That is why we are dedicated to providing tailored financial solutions to support women in business with KCB Flame. Our commitment includes equipping women with the knowledge to manage and grow their businesses sustainably, offering accessible credit facilities designed to meet the unique needs of women entrepreneurs, and connecting women with industry leaders, seasoned entrepreneurs, and strategic partners to enhance their growth.”

As a pivotal force in advancing women-led enterprises, Mkazipreneur has played a crucial role in amplifying female entrepreneurs’ access to capacity-building programs and financial resources. Through this partnership with KCB Bank, the initiative will scale its impact, ensuring that women across Uganda have enhanced access to capital, business training, and market opportunities.

Immy Nakyeyune, founder and leader, Mkazipreneur said, “By gathering here today, we aim to dismantle systemic barriers impeding women’s access to capital and professional mentorship. Today we are here to not only celebrate the resilience and ingenuity of women entrepreneurs but also to equip them with data-driven insights, cutting-edge financial solutions, and a robust network to enhance their entrepreneurial journeys” she said.

Uganda stands at the forefront of female entrepreneurship in Africa, with women constituting a significant portion of the nation’s business owners. According to the Mastercard Index of Women Entrepreneurs, approximately 38.2% of business owners in Uganda are women, indicating that nearly four in every ten business proprietors are female.

Despite this notable representation, women-owned enterprises face unique challenges that hinder their profitability and growth. On average, women entrepreneurs in Uganda earn 30% less in profits compared to their male counterparts, a disparity attributed to factors such as limited access to capital, lower levels of innovation, and segregation into lower-value sectors.

Moreover, women-led businesses often encounter systemic barriers in accessing financial services. While women control approximately 39% of Ugandan firms, they receive only 9% of commercial loans. Additionally, women are 40% less likely to hold a bank account than men, and merely 25% utilize mobile money platforms.

These statistics emphasize the critical need for targeted interventions that address the financial inclusion gap and empower women entrepreneurs with the necessary resources to thrive.

This initiative supports KCB Bank’s alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). By fostering equitable access to financial resources, mentorship, and business networks, the bank is strategically positioned as a key driver of socio-economic transformation in Uganda.

KCB Bank Uganda is a commercial bank in Uganda. It is licensed by the Bank of Uganda, the central bank and national banking regulator. The Bank has 14 branches spread across the country,15 ATMs, 385 Bank Agents and 295 Merchant outlets. Its mission is “To drive efficiency whilst growing market share in order to be the preferred financial solutions provider in Africa with global reach.”