Equity Bank Uganda has reiterated its focus on strengthening Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisations (SACCOs), micro enterprises, and grassroots entrepreneurs through customised financial solutions, capacity building, and green financing initiatives.

Speaking at the Uganda Central Co-operative Financial Services Ltd (UCCFS) Annual General Assembly at Silver Springs Hotel in Bugolobi May 29, the Bank said its growth from a small savings entity into a regional financial institution continues to shape its mission of empowering community-based enterprises.

Equity Bank Head of SMEs, Olivia Mugaba, said the institution’s origins were rooted in farmers who were excluded from formal banking due to lack of collateral and financial history, but who built a trusted savings and credit system through collective effort.

She noted that SACCOs remain a critical driver of inclusive growth, adding that the Bank’s approach is built on understanding client realities rather than enforcing rigid lending requirements.

The Bank also emphasized its free financial literacy and governance training programmes for SACCOs, saying it is committed to supporting capacity building at no cost across regions.

Mugaba further highlighted Equity Bank’s green financing agenda, which supports renewable energy, waste management, and environmentally sustainable projects at reduced interest rates.

Equity Bank’s Segment Head of Micro Business, Bob Paul Lusembo, described SACCOs as the foundation of grassroots economic transformation, noting that liquidity constraints remain a key challenge the Bank seeks to address through targeted financing.

He said the Bank provides micro-financing ranging from UGX 1 million to UGX 100 million for SACCOs, alongside governance support and leadership training to ensure sustainability.

Lusembo also revealed specialised financing for agriculture and supply chain actors, including unsecured loans for farmers and distributors with verified contracts, as well as broader SME financing of up to UGX 6 billion.

The Bank reaffirmed its long-term partnership with UCCFS, urging SACCO leaders to continue engaging the institution to co-develop solutions that strengthen cooperative growth across Uganda.

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Africa’s gaming industry is shifting toward AI-driven risk management, with operators adopting predictive tools and identity systems to tackle fraud and protect players in real time.

Africa’s fast-growing gaming industry is entering a new phase of risk management, with operators increasingly deploying artificial intelligence and predictive analytics to detect harmful behaviour and fraud in real time.

Insights from a recent industry discussion at the Africa Gaming Expo 2026 point to a structural shift away from reactive responsible gaming models toward systems designed to anticipate risk before it escalates.

Industry players, including identity verification firm Sumsub, say traditional approaches—where intervention occurs only after clear signs of harm—are proving insufficient in a market defined by rapid growth, mobile access and evolving user behaviour.

Historically, operators have relied on visible warning signs such as large losses or erratic betting patterns to trigger intervention. However, new tools now allow earlier detection of risk through behavioural signals such as increased deposit frequency, loss-chasing tendencies and prolonged session intensity.

“Responsible gaming has largely been reactive, with operators intervening once clear signs of harm have already emerged,” says Richy Emah Sumsub’s Regional Director for North/West Africa. “But by that stage, the damage is often already done.”

Emah further says that the industry is now moving toward earlier intervention models. “Early behavioural indicators can signal risk long before it escalates, allowing operators to act more effectively and in real time,” he said.

The shift is being enabled by advances in machine learning, which allow operators to move beyond static rule-based systems toward dynamic models that assess player behaviour continuously.

At the same time, the sector is facing a rapidly changing fraud landscape. According to data from Sumsub, fraud in iGaming rose by 8pc year-on-year, but the nature of threats has changed significantly.

AI-driven fraud techniques—including synthetic identities and deepfake-based verification bypass—now account for a growing share of cases.

“Fraudsters are already using AI—from synthetic identities to deepfakes—to bypass safeguards,” Emah observes. “The only viable response is to fight AI with more advanced AI.”

A central theme emerging from the industry is the importance of robust identity verification as the backbone of risk management.

Without strong onboarding systems, operators face challenges in preventing underage gambling, detecting multi-accounting and identifying fraud patterns—risks that are amplified in Africa’s mobile-first and cross-border digital environment.

“If there is one non-negotiable safeguard, it is strong and frictionless identity verification from day one,” Emah stressed. “Without that foundation, you cannot effectively prevent abuse or build accurate risk profiles.”

Despite the growing role of automation, industry players stress that human oversight remains critical. Customer support teams are still needed to interpret behavioural signals and engage users appropriately.

“Responsible gaming is not just a technological challenge—it is a human one,” Emah said, noting the importance of combining automation with accountability and empathy.

The move toward predictive risk management reflects a broader strategic recalibration within the industry, where responsible gaming is increasingly viewed as a driver of long-term sustainability rather than a compliance obligation.

“Africa’s gaming industry has a choice—scale first and manage risk later, or build responsibly from the outset,” Emah warns. “Those that choose the latter will define a more sustainable future for the sector.”

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Global crises tend to trigger a familiar pattern in financial markets: currencies wobble, investors retreat to safety, and policymakers brace for economic spillovers.

Yet history suggests that periods of uncertainty can also become turning points for investors who remain disciplined while others panic.

That was the central message from analysts during a market outlook webinar hosted by SBG Securities Uganda Limited, where economists argued that while escalating tensions in the Middle East could unsettle markets in the short term, they may also create openings for long-term investors and policy reform in Uganda.

“Such times can come with a lot of uncertainty,” said Grace Semakula, chief executive of SBG Securities Uganda Limited, the brokerage and investment management arm of Stanbic Uganda Holdings Limited.

“But these are not times to panic. They are times to take a patient, long-term view and consistently allocate funds.”

Her message reflects a broader investment principle: market dislocations often present opportunities for investors who focus on fundamentals rather than short-term volatility.

Uganda enters the current geopolitical turbulence from a relatively stable macroeconomic position.

Inflation has remained contained, economic growth has held steady, and export earnings — particularly from gold and coffee — have strengthened over the past year.

But economists warn that even relatively insulated economies cannot escape the ripple effects of global instability.

“We might see a protracted conflict,” said Christopher Legilisho, an economist at Standard Bank Group.

“That could weigh on global growth and create spillovers to different countries, including Uganda.”

One immediate concern is the potential return of inflationary pressure.

For much of 2024 and early 2025, central banks worldwide were preparing to ease monetary policy as inflation moderated following the post-pandemic surge. Rising geopolitical tensions, however, could disrupt that trajectory.

Oil markets are particularly sensitive to instability in the Middle East, and higher energy prices often feed quickly into global inflation.

“Because of the conflict, we are starting to see expectations that inflationary pressures could return,” Legilisho said. “Central banks may become more cautious or preventative in their policy stance.”

Uganda’s monetary authorities have so far maintained a steady approach. The Bank of Uganda has kept its benchmark policy rate at 9.75 percent since October 2024.

But if global commodity prices surge, analysts say the central bank may delay interest-rate cuts — or even tighten policy — to keep inflation under control.

Trade exposure to the Gulf

Uganda’s deepening trade ties with the Middle East also create a channel through which the conflict could affect the domestic economy.

Gold has become Uganda’s largest export earner in recent years, with most shipments destined for the United Arab Emirates.

Annual gold exports are estimated at about $6 billion, roughly USD5.2 billion of which flows to the Gulf market.

“If producers are unable to ship gold to the UAE, refiners and exporters may struggle to find immediate alternative markets,” Legilisho said.

Yet disruptions could also accelerate policy initiatives designed to strengthen economic resilience.

The central bank has been preparing a domestic gold purchase programme aimed at boosting Uganda’s foreign-exchange reserves — a move analysts say could become more relevant if export flows face temporary interruptions.

Energy costs and the oil paradox

Energy markets represent another potential vulnerability.

Uganda remains heavily dependent on imported refined petroleum products, much of which originates from the Middle East. Any spike in global oil prices would therefore raise the country’s import bill and could put pressure on inflation.

“You could see Uganda’s oil import requirements rise significantly if prices spike,” Legilisho said.

Yet the same global energy dynamics could ultimately work in Uganda’s favour.

The country is expected to begin oil production from the Lake Albert Oil Project later this year — a milestone that could gradually transform the country from a pure energy importer into an oil exporter.

Over time, that shift could improve Uganda’s trade balance and strengthen foreign-exchange inflows.

Financial markets have already begun reacting to the uncertainty.

The Ugandan shilling has weakened by roughly three percent since tensions escalated, reflecting broader global risk aversion.

Inflation could also climb if energy prices continue rising. In an extreme scenario, Legilisho estimates inflation could reach around 8.3 percent — a level that could prompt tighter monetary policy and slower credit expansion.

Remittance flows could also face risks. Uganda receives significant inflows from citizens working across the Middle East, and prolonged regional instability could affect those earnings.

However, the scale of the impact will depend largely on the duration of the crisis.

“If the crisis is resolved within a month, the economic impact would likely be limited,” Legilisho said. “But if it continues for several months, the pressures on growth and inflation could become more significant.”

For investors, the lesson may be less about avoiding volatility and more about navigating it.

Periods of geopolitical tension often trigger sharp asset-price movements, allowing disciplined investors to reposition portfolios or accumulate assets at lower valuations.

“Even through crisis, there are significant opportunities to explore,” Semakula said.

SBG Securities Uganda Limited ended 2025 with more than UGX540 billion in assets under management and added over 4,000 new clients during the year. The firm was also recognised by the Capital Markets Authority Uganda as Collective Investment Scheme Manager of the Year.

For Uganda’s economy, the coming months may test resilience against forces far beyond its borders. But for investors able to look beyond the immediate turbulence, periods of global uncertainty may also mark the beginning of new opportunities.

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The initiative, now in its third year, brought together grade 11 students — half of them girls — from across Ethiopia for over 300 hours of training at the Ethiopian Aviation University. The curriculum mixed classroom sessions with field visits, internships, and career talks, exposing students to aviation facilities including Ethiopian Airlines’ cargo and maintenance operations.

Participants learned coding, robotics, and artificial intelligence, while also building soft skills such as teamwork and problem-solving. They also visited the Ethiopia Science Museum, which hosts Boeing’s aerospace exhibit, and Addis Ababa Science and Technology University’s Culture Development Center.

This year’s program included a mentoring component, with 27 alumni from the 2024 intake returning to share experiences with the new cohort. The training was run in coordination with the Ministry of Education to align with national priorities in science and technology.

Since its launch in 2023, the STEM School has trained more than 80 Ethiopian students, aiming to expand career pathways in aviation, engineering, and digital technology.

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In a major stride toward financial interoperability and global inclusion, Safaricom has partnered with global payment giant PayPal to enable seamless transfers between M-PESA wallets and PayPal accounts. The new integration gives more than 35 million M-PESA customers and two million businesses in Kenya the ability to send and receive funds internationally with greater ease.

The service, which is currently available in Kenya, allows users to link their PayPal and M-PESA accounts, providing a two-way transfer capability that effectively opens the door for mobile wallet users to participate in global digital commerce. The partners have indicated plans to expand the service to other M-PESA markets across Africa.

“This collaboration empowers millions of Kenyan consumers, small businesses and micro-entrepreneurs to engage with the global digital economy,” said Esther Waititu, Chief Financial Services Officer at Safaricom. “It reflects our ongoing mission to transform lives through convenient, secure and inclusive digital financial solutions.”

PayPal’s Regional Head for the Middle East and Africa, Otto Williams, said the partnership reflects a shared goal of improving access to digital financial infrastructure: “Building seamless connections between the global economy and local financial ecosystems is essential. With this integration, we are making cross-border transactions more accessible and less burdensome for millions of Africans.”

The partnership arrives at a time when Africa’s digital economy is rapidly expanding. Kenya’s vibrant gig economy, driven by freelancers and small-scale exporters, has faced barriers in receiving international payments. This solution addresses that gap, enabling faster and lower-cost remittances and payments for digital work, e-commerce, and services.

It also reflects a broader trend toward interoperability between fintech platforms, as mobile money providers and global payment systems look to integrate services that match evolving user expectations in convenience, speed, and cost.

Launched in 2007, M-PESA has more than 50 million users across Africa with daily transaction volumes exceeding $1.1 billion. The platform’s evolution—from basic peer-to-peer transfers to savings, credit, and now international payments—has made it a critical tool for financial inclusion.

For PayPal, which operates in over 200 markets and supports more than 400 million active accounts globally, the partnership opens a new pathway to reach Africa’s dynamic and underbanked populations through one of the continent’s most trusted mobile platforms.

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The announcement, made on July 1, marks a significant leadership transition as Alves succeeds Jeremy Springall, who spent nearly a decade at the helm of SITA’s border operations and retires after leading transformative government partnerships and securing the company’s largest-ever contract in 2024.

Pedro Alves takes on the role at a time when governments worldwide face mounting pressures: record passenger volumes, intensifying threats such as terrorism and human trafficking, and the rising demand for seamless, digitally enabled border experiences.

“Pedro takes the reins at a time when the needs of border agencies are evolving fast,” said David Lavorel, CEO of SITA. “With growing global mobility and the increasing complexity of threats, governments are turning to smarter technologies. Pedro’s deep expertise and forward-looking vision make him the ideal leader for this next phase.”

Since joining SITA in early 2024 to lead global business development, Alves has worked closely with border agencies to develop secure, scalable, and user-centric solutions. His previous work in pioneering identity and border technologies has shaped approaches to modern border management.

“We are at a tipping point where border control must be dynamic, integrated, and seamless,” Alves said in a statement. “SITA is uniquely positioned to help governments respond to fast-changing demands, thanks to our global footprint, trusted partnerships, and commitment to co-innovation.”

Alves now assumes leadership of a business line that supports more than 70 governments globally, helping them manage people and goods through digitised borders. From e-gates and biometric screening to automated passenger processing, SITA’s Borders unit has grown into a key player in government travel and identity solutions.

Springall, who joined SITA in 2016, is credited with turning the Borders business into a global leader in secure travel facilitation. His tenure was marked by landmark projects integrating identity, health, and border data to create secure yet frictionless travel pathways.

“Jeremy’s impact has been nothing short of transformational. From delivering critical national systems to shaping long-term strategy, he’s been instrumental in positioning SITA as the trusted partner for border innovation,” Lavorel said in recognition of Springall’s contributions.

Springall’s career prior to SITA included senior roles at CGI and Logica, where he led large-scale transportation and security programs in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

Alves’ appointment comes as SITA prepares to expand its next-generation digital identity and border management offerings. With border crossings expected to surpass pre-pandemic levels by 2026, and governments leaning heavily on biometrics, AI, and digital travel credentials, SITA aims to deepen its innovation role in the sector.

His leadership is expected to drive product evolution and support SITA’s broader strategy of frictionless travel, a key pillar in the company’s airport and airline technology roadmap.

“Governments need agility and proven solutions to manage rising complexities,” Alves said. “We will keep working with our partners to make border control smarter, faster, and more secure.”

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ET’s  A350-1000’s have been configured to a two-class cabin with 46 seats in Business and 349 in Economy class for a total of 395 seats. They are also equipped with Thales latest Avant in-flight entertainment system. With a range of 15,000 kilometres, the A350 1000 can seat between 250-410 passengers in a 2-class cabin but can accommodate up to 480 passengers in an all-economy configuration.

A fairly recent Airbus Customer, Ethiopian first flipped to Airbus, when it signed a contract  for the purchase of 12 A350-900s during the 2009 edition of the Dubai Airshow. It took delivery of the first A350 in July 2016, but quickly placed a follow-on order for another 10 examples of the type in July 2017.  While that took its orderbook for the A350 to 22 aircraft, four of those were converted to the larger -1000 variant in July 2022. Later, the carrier ordered another 11 A350-900s, taking its total orderbook to 35 aircraft.

The A350 has gained popularity among Ethiopians passengers and flight-crew alike. While passengers like the aircraft for its advanced ambiance and onboard comfort, the flight crew praise it for its advanced automation and flight envelop protection, including full protection against aerodynamic stalls.

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SACAA chief executive and Director of Civil Aviation, Ms Poppy Khoza signed for South Africa while Kamil Alawadhi , IATA’s Regional Vice President for Africa & Middle East,  signed for IATA.

Under the so-called Aviation Safety Agreement endorsed by the two parties on December 14, the SACAA recognises the IATA’ Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) as a standard for aviation safety oversight in its jurisdiction.

IATA says the MoU will strengthen the cooperation between it and SACAA and allow the two parties to explore further initiatives for improving safety in the region.

“Safety is the industry’s top priority and IOSA continues to demonstrate the benefits of global standards underpinning safety operations. In 2021, African airlines on the IOSA registry had zero accidents. We congratulate the South African Civil Aviation Authority for their continuous leadership in advancing a safe and efficient air transport industry in the region and for helping promote a single set of global safety standards,” said Kamil Alawadhi, IATA’s Regional Vice-President for Africa and Middle East.

The South African signing follows a similar agreement with Togo’s aviation safety regulator earlier this year, in a campaign by IATA to close safety gaps in Africa.

Speaking to media on the sidelines of the Aviation Africa 2022 Conference in Kigali last September, Alawadhi said while the IOSA program had significantly improved safety at the airline level, the game changer would be to get regulators to insert IOSA standards into their regulatory regime because it goes above and beyond what is typically required of operators by regulators. A key element of IOSA, is the requirement for an airline to be audited every two years.  Incorporating such a requirement in national regulations is expected to keep operators more on their toes, ensuring safe operations on a regular basis.

IATA is also working with governments to enhance safety by ensuring that they invest in up-to-date infrastructure that expands the coverage of controlled airspace over their territories to create seamless links with flight information regions in neighbouring countries. The lobby is also pushing for the adoption of its ISAGO – IATA Safety Audit for Ground Operations which assess the management and oversight systems of ground services providers.

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Dr. Adesina’s slogan, ‘I do not seek aid. I seek investment fro Africa’.

The inaugural African Development Bank Investment Forum is taking place at the Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg between November 7 and 9. The catch-slogan is provided by AfDB President, Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina, “I do not seek aid. I seek investment for Africa’.

Foreign direct investment (FDI) flows to Africa slumped to $42 billion in 2017. This was a 21 pc decline from 2016, according to UNCTAD’s World Investment Report 2018.

Closer to home, East Africa, the fastest-growing region in Africa, received $7.6 billion in FDI in 2017, a three percent decline on 2016. Ethiopia absorbed nearly half of this amount, with $3.6 billion (down 10%) and is now the second largest recipient of FDI in Africa. Kenya saw FDI increase to $672 million, up 71%, due to strong domestic demand and inflows in information and communication technology sectors.

According to the AfDB, although brimming with investment opportunities, there is an urgent need to bridge the gap between Africa’s available capital and bankable projects. Financing Africa’s development needs will require an estimated $600 billion to $700 billion per annum. Of this, about $130 billion to $170 billion a year is needed for infrastructure alone.

However UNCTAD thinks  FDI inflows to Africa will increase by about 20 pc in 2018 to $50 billion. The projection is underpinned by the expectations of a continued modest recovery in commodity prices and strengthened inter-regional economic cooperation. On the other hand, Africa’s commodity dependence will cause FDI to remain cyclical.

AfDB Senior Vice President, Charles Boamah says the Bank disbursed a record $5.1 billion to projects and programs across Africa in 2017, an increase of 14 pc over the previous all-time high of $4.5 billion in 2016.

However he adds, “Of all multilateral development banks, African Development Bank operates in the most challenging ‘operating environment’ defined by rating agencies as a reflection of the risks associated with the countries of operation.”

In a statement AfDB said it is working with other multi-lateral development partners and stakeholders to ensure that the Africa Investment Forum becomes Africa’s key springboard for investment and for meeting the continent’s massive infrastructure and development needs.

“The Africa Investment Forum, an innovative investment marketplace will bring together project sponsors, pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, private investors, policy makers, private equity firms, and heads of government to raise capital to advance Africa’s economic transformation agenda’, reads part of the statement.

The Forum will be 100% transaction-based. The focus is on structuring deals, screening and enhancing projects, attracting co-investors, and facilitating transactions to unlock Africa’s multi-billion dollar investment opportunities.

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