MTN Uganda Honors Stanbic’s Catherine Poran for Championing Business Growth and Women’s Empowerment

As the world continues to commemorate Women’s Month this March, MTN Uganda’s General Manager of the Enterprise Business Unit, Ibrahim Senyonga, paid a courtesy visit to the Chief Executive of Stanbic Business Incubator, Catherine Poran. The visit was a gesture of appreciation for her outstanding leadership and contribution to the business sector in Uganda, particularly in fostering entrepreneurship and empowering women-led enterprises.

Catherine Poran is a seasoned banking executive with over two decades of experience. She has been instrumental in strengthening client relationships, advocating for strategic advisory roles within banking, and driving financial inclusion for entrepreneurs. The Stanbic Business Incubator has trained over 3,500 individuals since its inception in 2017, with 1,575 of them being women. The initiative has successfully facilitated access to finance, market opportunities, and essential business operating skills, raising close to USD 2 million for SMEs.

During the visit, Ibrahim Senyonga lauded Poran’s remarkable impact on the business ecosystem.

“This month we are honoring outstanding women and we at MTN believe you are one of them. I commend your outstanding leadership. Through your dedication, communities and entrepreneurs, especially women-led enterprises, have gained greater access to financial services, markets and business operating skills,” Senyonga stated.

MTN Uganda, a leading telecommunications provider cum technology company, recognizes the significant role women play in the economy and remains committed to supporting initiatives that foster their success. By acknowledging Poran’s work, MTN reinforces the importance of collaboration between the corporate sector and financial institutions in driving sustainable business growth.

MTN has had a longstanding partnership with the Stanbic Business Incubator, offering specialized ICT training to SMEs and addressing the ICT needs of various businesses. Through this collaboration, MTN has supported key initiatives that empower businesses by providing digital tools, connectivity solutions, and training programs that enhance operational efficiency and business sustainability. This partnership has played a crucial role in bridging the technological gap for SMEs, enabling them to compete in an increasingly digital world.

Expressing her gratitude, Catherine Poran emphasized the importance of partnerships in scaling entrepreneurial success.

“It is truly an honor to be recognized for the work we do at the Stanbic Business Incubator. Our focus has always been on equipping SMEs with the right tools to thrive, and seeing the impact we’ve made, particularly for women entrepreneurs, is incredibly fulfilling. Support from corporate partners like MTN Uganda strengthens our mission and helps us reach even more businesses,” she remarked.

As Women’s Month continues to highlight the achievements of female leaders, such engagements underscore the critical role women play in shaping economic resilience. MTN Uganda’s recognition of Poran’s efforts serves as a testament to the broader mission of inclusivity, financial empowerment, and the advancement of Uganda’s business landscape. It indeed goes to show that together, our ambition is unstoppable.