Equity Bank, Partners Launch 2026 Top 100 Survey to Unlock SME Growth Potential

June 26, 2026 in Business, Companies, Financial Services by Editor

Equity Bank, in partnership with KPMG and Nation Media Group, has launched the 2026 Top 100 Mid-Sized Companies Survey, a long-running initiative aimed at helping Uganda’s SMEs harness innovation, value addition and market expansion to convert the country’s economic growth into sustainable business success.

 

Equity Bank Uganda has renewed its commitment to supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by backing the 2026 Top 100 Mid-Sized Companies Survey, a flagship initiative aimed at helping businesses convert Uganda’s strong economic growth into commercial success through innovation, value addition and market expansion.

Launched on Thursday at KPMG’s Kampala offices, the survey enters its 19th year under the theme, “Monetizing Uganda’s Economy through Innovation, Value Addition and Market Expansion.”

Jointly organised by KPMG, Nation Media Group and Equity Bank, the annual programme has evolved beyond a business ranking exercise into one of Uganda’s leading private sector development platforms, providing research, benchmarking and practical support to help SMEs become more competitive.

Over the past 19 years, more than 2,400 businesses across Uganda and the wider East African region have participated, with many growing into large enterprises while others have improved governance, attracted financing and explored opportunities in capital markets.

Speaking during the launch, Equity Bank Uganda’s Head of SME Banking, Olivia Mugaba, said the survey enables the bank to better understand the realities facing businesses and tailor financial solutions that respond to their evolving needs.

“The survey gives SMEs a voice. It helps us understand their challenges, identify opportunities and design solutions that directly support their growth,” Mugaba said.

She noted that although SMEs account for more than 90 percent of Uganda’s private sector, many continue to struggle because of limited access to affordable finance, weak financial management, poor record keeping and inadequate business planning.

According to Mugaba, the insights generated through the survey have enabled Equity Bank to develop products that go beyond lending by combining affordable financing with technical support, partnerships and market access.

“Funding alone is not enough. We connect businesses to partners, technical support and market opportunities so they can use financing sustainably and grow,” she said.

The bank has leveraged partnerships with government agencies, development institutions and innovation hubs to mobilise affordable capital while strengthening the capacity of entrepreneurs across key sectors of the economy.

Nation Media Group Managing Director Susan Nsibirwa said this year’s theme reflects growing concern among businesses that strong macroeconomic indicators have yet to translate into meaningful gains at the enterprise level.

“The economy may be growing, but businesses are asking where that growth is. This year’s survey seeks to answer that question,” she said.

Beyond recognising top-performing companies, the programme also equips participating firms with practical knowledge through business forums covering taxation, corporate governance, financing, digital transformation and business strategy.

KPMG Partner Peter Kyambade said the 2026 survey will focus on three drivers of sustainable business growth—innovation, value addition and expanded market access.

“Businesses that embrace innovation and value addition will be better positioned to compete and grow sustainably in a rapidly changing world,” he said.

The Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities also endorsed the initiative, citing the growing opportunities available to SMEs across Uganda’s tourism value chain.

Director Basil Ajer said Uganda welcomed approximately 1.64 million visitors in 2025, with average visitor spending exceeding US$2,000 for the first time, creating new opportunities for businesses in hospitality, transport, accommodation and related services.

“Tourism growth creates opportunities for thousands of SMEs across accommodation, transport, hospitality and other support services,” Ajer said.

He added that government is working to ease the tax burden on tourism operators while improving access to affordable financing as the country prepares to host major international events, including the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The 2026 Top 100 Survey will run from July through October before culminating in an awards gala in December recognising Uganda’s best-performing mid-sized companies.

For Equity Bank, the initiative reinforces its broader strategy of supporting SMEs not only through financing but also through research, knowledge generation and ecosystem partnerships designed to help businesses scale sustainably.

As Uganda pursues industrialisation, export growth and value addition, stakeholders say the survey will provide critical insights to help SMEs translate the country’s economic potential into measurable business growth.