Access to Inclusive and Affordable Finance

Equity Logo

Status

active

Period

2020 - 2025

Countries

Focus Areas

In Partnership With

Equity Bank Uganda Limited has partnered with the Mastercard Foundation to enable young women and men, including young refugees, to access dignified and fulfilling work through the financing (loans) of MSMEs. The Bank works at all levels of the value chain in selected sectors, leveraging digital technology for reach.

Target Impact

To enhance the knowledge of 100,100 young people, including young women and refugees, through financial literacy and entrepreneurship education training, as well as business development services.

Target: 100,100 Youth in Work

Geographical location: Country-wide

Objectives:
Improve the Bank’s capacity to identify youth market segments and develop credit risk profiles and tailored products which will be reflected in reduced non-performing loans.
Market linkages through the Bank’s support, to increase access to markets for the Micro, Small, Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and young people.
Extend additional affordable credit from the Bank’s resources to 10,000 MSMEs and 50,000 youth, young women and refugees, which will give them the capital needed to expand their operations by leveraging the credit guarantee.

Impact to Date

  • 116,000

    Youth have been reached through financial literacy, business skills training, and credit usage knowledge.

  • 84,350

    Young people enabled to access work opportunities through extending affordable and friendly financial facilities.

  • 40

    Partnerships have been developed with development organizations, Lead Firms and the government to effect community engagements.

  • 25,000

    Accounts have been opened.

  • 18,000+

    Collateral free and affordable credit/loan facilities have been provided to young people.

  • 600

    Average USD loan to start and grow their businesses.

Partnership Focus

Offer tailor-made training to credit staff, Trainers and 100,000 youth, young women and refugees.

Disburse credit to MSMEs, young people and refugees.

Train 10,000 MSMEs in business development, financial management and business growth and financial literacy training to 100,000 youth.

Conduct digitalization training and recruit 3,000 youth as Bank Agents.