UGAFODE wins global award for empowering 4,500 refugee women entrepreneurs
For refugee women, access to financial services can provide opportunities to build businesses and improve family livelihoods.
UGAFODE Microfinance Limited has won an international Consumer Education Award for its initiative supporting refugee women entrepreneurs, recognising efforts to expand financial inclusion and improve livelihoods among underserved communities.
The Ugandan microfinance institution received the award at the 2026 World Savings and Retail Banking Institute–European Savings and Retail Banking Group (WSBI-ESBG) Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Awards held on October 16 in Bangkok, Thailand.
UGAFODE Executive Director Jonathan Mugalu received the award on behalf of the institution.
The recognition followed the institution’s implementation of the initiative, “From Survival to Growth: Empowering Refugee Women Entrepreneurs,” which has benefited more than 4,500 refugee women through financial literacy training and access to financial services.
The programme equips participants with practical skills in saving, managing business finances, maintaining financial records and making informed financial decisions.
By combining financial education with access to savings products and loans, UGAFODE aims to help refugee women establish businesses, expand existing enterprises and increase household incomes.
The initiative also seeks to strengthen the economic resilience of refugee and host communities by enabling women entrepreneurs to build sustainable sources of income.
The awards are organised by WSBI in collaboration with ESBG, international banking organisations that promote inclusive and responsible banking, financial education and sustainable economic development.
UGAFODE’s recognition highlights the role financial institutions can play in addressing barriers that prevent underserved populations from accessing financial services and participating in economic activity.
For refugee women, access to financial services can provide opportunities to build businesses and improve family livelihoods.
However, financial access alone may not be sufficient without the knowledge and skills required to manage money, assess borrowing needs and make sound investment decisions.
UGAFODE’s initiative combines these two approaches, linking financial literacy with practical access to savings and credit facilities.
The award also places a spotlight on the importance of targeted financial education programmes for vulnerable communities, particularly women seeking to establish or grow small businesses in challenging economic circumstances.
UGAFODE said the international recognition reflected the commitment of its customers, employees, partners and stakeholders to expanding financial inclusion.
The institution’s achievement comes amid broader efforts by financial service providers to develop solutions that enable underserved communities to access financial products, strengthen enterprise development and contribute to sustainable economic growth.
