Driving Digital Trade and Financial Inclusion
Julius Kakeeto, Managing Director of Pearl Bank Uganda (formerly PostBank Uganda), revealed that Wendi, the bank’s mobile-first platform, has onboarded 1.4 million users in just two years. Integrated with Uganda’s National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA), the platform enables savings, credit, and remittance services for both rural communities and the diaspora.
“Technology is no longer just an enabler — it is the business.” — Julius Kakeeto
This innovation translates macroeconomic stability into digital financial inclusion at scale, directly linking Uganda’s unbanked populations to formal financial systems.
Harnessing AI and Banking SupTech
Prof. Augustus Nuwagaba, Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Uganda, outlined how supervisory technology (SupTech) is transforming transparency and regulatory oversight. Through real-time monitoring, SupTech enhances investor confidence and strengthens Uganda’s fiscal discipline framework.
Irene Mutyaba Kabiri, Corporate Banking Director at Absa Bank Uganda Ltd, explained how AI-driven credit scoring and smart-insurance-linked lending are expanding access for SMEs and women entrepreneurs.
“We’re blending traditional collateral with smart insurance structures to unlock new funding channels.” — Irene Mutyaba Kabiri
Africa’s Digital Workforce Advantage
Abdul Kasoma, Chief Executive Officer of Exquisite Solution Ltd, announced the expansion of his BPO and customer-experience operations to 2,000 employees by the end of 2025 — demonstrating that AI enhances rather than replaces human potential.
“The call centre is not obsolete. AI is not replacing us; it’s enhancing our capabilities.” — Abdul Kasoma
Elizabeth Kasedde, Chief Executive Officer of NFT Consult Ltd, reinforced that Africa’s youth are the continent’s greatest digital advantage.
“Our young people don’t want receptionist jobs — they want scalable, digital futures.” — Elizabeth Kasedde
This growing digital talent pool positions Africa as the world’s next frontier for outsourcing, innovation, and tech-enabled employment.
Building Credibility in Global Finance
Dr. Graham Bright JP, Head of Compliance and Operations at Euro Exim Bank Ltd, highlighted the persistent under-representation of African institutions in global financial rankings.
“There is no African bank in the top 100 — that’s not a failure of capability, but of the rating system.” — Dr. Graham Bright
He endorsed the establishment of the Africa Rating Agency, announced by H.E. Dr. Rajeshwar Jeetah of Mauritius, to strengthen Africa’s credibility and correct systemic bias in international credit assessment.
Regulation, AI, and Green Investment
The panel called for harmonised digital-trade frameworks, cross-border payment systems such as PAPSS, and ESG-aligned investment in renewable energy, e-mobility, and agritech.
Gen. David Muhoozi, Minister of State for Internal Affairs, Uganda, underscored that technology must serve equity as well as efficiency.
“Digital transformation without fair market access is simply digitised inequality.” — Gen. David Muhoozi
Key Takeaways
- ✅ Fintech and AI are redefining access to finance and empowering SMEs.
- ✅ Africa’s youthful, tech-savvy population is its greatest growth asset.
- ✅ SupTech strengthens investor confidence and fiscal transparency.
- ✅ Africa-led rating systems will unlock fairer global capital flows.
- ✅ Green digital infrastructure is essential for sustainable growth.
Closing Reflection
“Capital is available. What Africa needs now is clarity, consistency, and credibility — from both sides of the table.” — Badru Ntege
As this session demonstrated, Africa’s digital and financial renaissance is underway — powered by innovation, inclusion, and institutional trust.
