dfcu Bank expands green finance support for SMEs in strategic partnership with UGEFA
As one of Uganda’s largest financial institutions, dfcu Bank is placing green finance at the heart of its strategy, scaling up access to tailored financial solutions for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in key sectors such as clean energy, sustainable tourism, waste management, green mobility, and green manufacturing.
dfcu Bank, one of Uganda’s largest financial institutions, has announced the launch of the second phase of its strategic partnership with the Uganda Green Enterprise Finance Accelerator (UGEFA).
This renewed collaboration reinforces dfcu Bank’s pivotal role in driving Uganda’s transition towards a sustainable, green economy by significantly expanding access to green finance and essential business support for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
The official launch event, held at Protea Hotel in Kampala on Thursday, 19th September 2025, marked a significant milestone in dfcu’s sustainability journey.
With green finance now at the heart of its strategy, dfcu Bank is set to scale up tailored financial solutions for SMEs operating in critical sectors such as clean energy, sustainable tourism, waste management, green mobility, and green manufacturing.
Through this impactful partnership, supported by the European Union and implemented by adelphi global gGmbH, dfcu Bank is enabling Ugandan green enterprises to access not just vital financial resources, but also crucial capacity-building and business development support designed to ensure their long-term growth and maximize their environmental and social impact.
Leadership Perspectives
Helena Mayanja, Head – Corporate Affairs & Sustainability at dfcu Bank, emphasized the bank’s commitment, stating, “At dfcu Bank, sustainability is not just a theme; it is central to our purpose of Transforming Lives and Businesses in Uganda. Our renewed partnership with UGEFA is unlocking the potential of Uganda’s green economy by ensuring SMEs have access to the finance and support they need. We are proud to be a financial institution at the forefront of responsible growth—empowering businesses to thrive while protecting our environment for generations to come.”
Cristina Bănuţă, Programme Manager – Access to Finance, Agribusiness and Land at the Delegation of the European Union to Uganda, highlighted the international collaboration aspect: “The European Union is committed to supporting sustainable economic transformation in Uganda. dfcu Bank’s leadership in green finance, strengthened by this partnership with UGEFA, demonstrates what is possible when private sector commitment meets international collaboration. Together, we are unlocking opportunities for SMEs to drive inclusive growth and environmental resilience.”
Christine Meyer, Project Lead at UGEFA, expressed enthusiasm for the new phase: “Our collaboration with dfcu Bank has already shown tangible results, and we are excited to enter this new phase together.
The call for applications we are opening today will bring more green enterprises into the fold—businesses that are innovating, creating jobs, and shaping a sustainable future for Uganda.”
Applications Now Open for Green Enterprises
In conjunction with the launch, UGEFA has opened a call for applications for green enterprises seeking to benefit from the programme. Eligible businesses are encouraged to apply through the UGEFA website (https://ugefa.eu) to access capacity building, technical support, and facilitated access to finance from dfcu Bank and other partners.
This initiative represents a critical step towards fostering a resilient, innovative, and environmentally conscious business landscape across Uganda.
