Vodafone Uganda positions itself to lift SMEs

September 27, 2017 in Business, Companies by Editor

September 27—Vodafone Uganda, a partner of the Top 100 Survey for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), recently participated in a meeting for the construction sector where it was found that access to financing remains a major challenge for these companies.

The Top 100 Survey is an initiative of KPMG and the Nation Media Group which is represented in Uganda by the Daily Monitor. It has been conducted since 2009 in Uganda as well as in Kenya and Tanzania.

In the survey, Uganda’s fastest growing medium sized companies have been identified  to showcase business excellence and highlight some of the country’s most successful entrepreneurship stories. Vodafone Uganda’s involvement is aimed at being an active player in offering various services to these companies.

Daniel Lokong, the Executive Director, Uganda National Association of Building and Civil Engineering Contractors (UNABCEC), made a presentation in light of the changing economic environment in Uganda.

He said, “The capacity of local firms to implement projects and access project financing is very key in achieving the medium term income status of Ugandans. Local content realization can effectively be delivered if all engineers in their variant capacities commit their energies and patriotism.”

In an open discussion, participants spoke of the challenges involved with accessing loans especially contract loans; insurance of machinery and equipment, specifically delays in receiving compensation for damaged property which usually causes losses to their businesses.

Vodafone Uganda was represented by Abdunasil Wavamuno, the SME Direct Sales Executive. Vodafone Uganda, the leading 4G network provider, is one of the Top 100  partners in a list that also includes dfcu Bank, Uganda Investment Authority, and ICEA, the regional insurance giant.