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) as part of the lender’s enterprise development program.
MAT Abacus Business School is a prominent private educational institution in Uganda, established in 2019 following a merger between the Management and Accountancy Training Company (MAT) and the Abacus Business School (ABS).
The school is one of the few institutions in Africa that have achieved Platinum-level status as an Approved Learning Partner (ALP) with the London-based Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).
NCBA Bank’s partnership with the institution 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 would have free access to structured business development support.
MAT Abacus would provide specialized training, coaching and mentorship focused on critical areas including financial management, corporate 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.
The institution is headed by Prof. Samuel Sejjaaka, a highly respected academic and professional accountant who previously served as the Deputy Principal of the Makerere University Business School (MUBS).
Speaking at the same event, he welcomed the partnership, noting that entrepreneurial education and practical business support are critical ingredients for business sustainability and growth.
“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,” he said.
Under the partnership, participating SME representatives would benefit from practical learning sessions, SME clinics, coaching engagements and advisory services tailored to address the unique challenges faced by growing businesses.
