Equity Bank Uganda wins continental award for diaspora banking and financial inclusion

June 18, 2026 in Companies, Financial Services, Trade & Industry by Editor

Winfred Warui, Senior Manager for International Banking and Cross-Border Payments receiving the award

Equity Bank Uganda has been named Corporate Business of the Year at the African Business Chamber African Business Awards 2026, highlighting its growing role in diaspora banking, cross-border finance and investment facilitation.

Equity Bank Uganda has been named Corporate Business of the Year at the African Business Chamber (AfBC) African Business Awards 2026, earning continental recognition for its role in promoting financial inclusion, diaspora banking, cross-border trade and investment across Africa.

The award was presented during a gala dinner held at The Royal Lancaster London on May 29, bringing together policymakers, investors, entrepreneurs, business leaders and members of the African diaspora to celebrate organizations contributing to Africa’s economic transformation.

Organised by the African Business Chamber, a UK-based organization that promotes trade, investment and commercial ties between Africa, the United Kingdom and the global African diaspora, the awards recognize institutions that are driving sustainable growth and economic impact across the continent.

For Equity Bank Uganda, the recognition reflects growing efforts to position itself as a financial bridge between Ugandans living abroad and investment opportunities back home.

The bank has increasingly focused on developing banking solutions that enable diaspora customers to save, invest, access financing and participate in Uganda’s economic development regardless of their location.

Speaking after receiving the award, Damalie Balungi, Manager for Diaspora and International Banking at Equity Bank Uganda, said the recognition highlights the importance of the diaspora community as a key driver of Uganda’s development.

“The diaspora community remains one of Uganda’s most important development partners. Beyond remittances, Ugandans living abroad are investing in businesses, real estate, education, agriculture and long-term wealth creation back home. At Equity Bank Uganda, our role is to provide the financial solutions, accessibility and support they need to achieve these goals regardless of where they live,” Balungi said.

Diaspora remittances have become an increasingly important source of foreign exchange and household income across Africa, supporting consumption, enterprise development and investment. In Uganda, remittances continue to play a critical role in financing education, housing, healthcare and small business growth.

Recognizing this opportunity, Equity Bank Uganda has expanded its portfolio of diaspora-focused products designed to simplify banking and investment for Ugandans abroad.

Among the offerings is the Diaspora Savings Account, which allows customers to operate accounts remotely without minimum balance requirements or monthly maintenance fees while accessing international Visa debit card services.

The bank also provides mortgage and equity release solutions that enable diaspora customers to unlock financing using property assets in Uganda. The facilities support investments in business expansion, property development, education and other wealth creation initiatives.

In addition, diaspora investors can access government securities, including Treasury Bills and Treasury Bonds, through the bank, providing opportunities to participate directly in Uganda’s capital markets while earning competitive returns.

Equity Bank has also strengthened its international banking infrastructure and cross-border payment capabilities to facilitate faster and more efficient movement of funds across markets.

According to Winfred Warui, Senior Manager for International Banking and Cross-Border Payments at Equity Bank Uganda, demand for investment and financial services among Ugandans abroad continues to grow.

“We continue to see increasing interest from Ugandans in the diaspora who want to invest, build businesses, acquire property and participate in opportunities back home. Our focus is to remove barriers by providing seamless international banking solutions, efficient remittance services, access to investment opportunities and personalized support that helps our customers make informed financial decisions,” Warui said.

The award comes at a time when African economies are increasingly looking to leverage diaspora capital, skills and networks to drive investment, entrepreneurship and economic growth.

As regional integration deepens and cross-border trade expands, financial institutions capable of connecting investors, businesses and communities across multiple markets are expected to play an increasingly important role in facilitating economic activity.

The African Business Chamber recognition highlights Equity Bank Uganda’s growing contribution to that agenda and reinforces its position as a key player in expanding financial access, mobilizing diaspora investment and supporting economic development both within Uganda and across the region.