NCBA Bank Partners With MAT Abacus to Strengthen SME Growth through Enterprise Development Program

NCBA Bank Uganda has today signed a strategic partnership agreement with MAT Abacus Business School to deliver business training, coaching and mentorship to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) under the Bank’s Enterprise Development Program.

The partnership marks a significant milestone in NCBA Bank’s commitment to empowering Ugandan businesses beyond financing by equipping entrepreneurs with the skills, knowledge and capabilities required to build sustainable and successful enterprises.

Through the Enterprise Development Program, SME customers of NCBA Bank will have access to structured business development support at no cost. MAT Abacus will provide specialized training, coaching and mentorship focused on critical areas including financial management, governance, compliance, business strategy and growth readiness.

Speaking at the signing ceremony held at NCBA Bank headquarters in Kampala, NCBA Bank Chief Executive Officer, Mark Muyobo stated that the partnership reflects the Bank’s belief that access to finance alone is not enough for businesses to thrive.

“SMEs are the backbone of Uganda’s economy. They create jobs, drive innovation and contribute significantly to national growth. However, many businesses continue to face challenges around access to finance, business skills and governance. Through our Enterprise Development Program and partnership with MAT Abacus, we are taking a holistic approach to supporting entrepreneurs by combining financial solutions with capacity building and business development support,” Muyobo said.

The Enterprise Development Program forms a key pillar of NCBA Bank’s SME Customer Value Proposition, which is designed to help businesses access faster credit approvals, flexible financing solutions, unsecured lending options and business advisory support.

The CEO further noted that NCBA Bank’s ambition is not only to grow SME lending but also to create meaningful impact by helping businesses formalize, scale and become more resilient.

“At NCBA, we are positioning ourselves as a true growth partner for SMEs. Our goal is to see businesses not only access financing but also develop the skills and structures needed to achieve long-term success,” said Muyobo.

MAT Abacus Business School welcomed the partnership, noting that entrepreneurial education and practical business support are critical ingredients for business sustainability and growth.

Speaking at the signing ceremony MAT ABACUS CEO, Prof. Samuel Sejjaaka, said: “We are delighted to partner with NCBA bank to provide structured business training and coaching for SMEs to see them scale and realize their growth potential. This will also go a long way in supporting the government’s 10x Growth strategy in line with the National Development Plan.”

Under the partnership, participating SMEs will benefit from practical learning sessions, SME clinics, coaching engagements and advisory services tailored to address the unique challenges faced by growing businesses.

The initiative reinforces NCBA Bank’s broader commitment to supporting enterprise development, financial inclusion and economic growth in Uganda by empowering entrepreneurs with both capital and capability.

As one of Uganda’s leading financial institutions, NCBA Bank continues to invest in innovative solutions and strategic partnerships that enable businesses to unlock opportunities, accelerate growth and contribute meaningfully to the country’s economic transformation.

NCBA Bank Uganda Limited is a subsidiary of NCBA Group PLC, East Africa’s largest bank by digital customer numbers. With an asset base UGX 1.2 trillion and a strong liquidity profile, NCBA bank combines extensive corporate and retail banking experience with leading innovations, offering products from mobile banking, asset finance to tailored investment solutions. Focused on relationship management and customer success, NCBA empowers clients to achieve financial goals while supporting regional economic growth.