aBi - Agricultural Business Initiative

Last week, aBi Development had the privilege of hosting Roger Van Hoesel, the Chief Executive at Ecosystem Navigators from the Netherlands, known for his groundbreaking work in creating the agrifood cluster in the Foodvalley NL, #Wageningen. Roger’s visit to Uganda was centered on conducting a landscape assessment to explore the potential for replicating similar agrifood system clusters here in Uganda. During his stay, Roger engaged with key stakeholders across the four regions of #Uganda, discussing opportunities to drive innovation, foster collaboration, and support sustainable growth in our agribusiness sector. His final day included a visit to #RoseBud Uganda, a leading exporter of cut flowers to over 20 #European #destinations and an employer of over 2,000 Ugandans, primarily women. Mr. Ravi Kumar, from RoseBud, expressed gratitude for aBi Development’s support in nurturing the horticulture cluster. The soon-to-be-completed Fresh Handling Ltd facility in Entebbe, developed with aBi's assistance, and support from the Embassy of Denmark in Uganda and the European Union is expected to be a game-changer for the company and the sector. This initiative aligns with aBi Development’s ongoing mission to promote transformative agricultural practices and strengthen Uganda’s agrifood ecosystem. We look forward to the fruitful outcomes of this collaboration and the bright future it holds for Uganda's agribusiness community!

This morning, our CEO, Mona Muguma Ssebuliba, had the pleasure of participating in the launch of and speaking at the ALP East Africa Artificial Intelligence Forum 2024 in Kampala. Alongside Dr. Henry Onoria, Adeboye Adegoke, and Tricia Gloria Nabaye- Kitenda, Mona participated in a panel discussion for the launch of the Report on the Laws, Policies, and Governance Strategies relating to Artificial Intelligence. The chief guest was Ambrose Ruyooka,PMP, the Assistant Commissioner, Information Technology, who represented the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, Aminah Zawedde, PhD, CISA®. Mona highlighted the transformative potential of AI in the agribusiness sector. She emphasised how predictive AI, for instance, could play a crucial role in enhancing the accuracy of weather forecasts, supporting the meteorological department, and better managing financing for smallholder farmers, especially those in regions vulnerable to adverse weather. However, she also candidly addressed some of the barriers to AI adoption—like resistance to change, skill gaps, and the challenge of integrating advanced technologies in a landscape still dominated by analogue systems. Ensuring that these innovations effectively reach farmers without direct access to them is another key hurdle. At aBi, we are committed to eliminating "greenwashing" by working closely with financial institutions to establish Management and Information Systems with AI capabilities. These systems provide us with the data needed to offer tailored financial support to smallholder farmers, helping them navigate unpredictable weather conditions. In her closing remarks, Mona called for a shift toward embracing AI, particularly in ways that prioritise inclusivity and ESG principles. She emphasised the importance of reaching the most underserved populations—especially the youth—and challenged sectors like the legal fraternity to think about how their services can reach the last mile. It’s about breaking down complexities to ensure that AI-driven solutions benefit those who need them most. The launch was made possible by Paradigm Initiative & the Thomson Reuters Foundation.

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Yesterday, aBi Finance hosted a vibrant stakeholder engagement, celebrating key partners and recognising 15 implementing partners for their exceptional contributions to advancing green, inclusive, and sustainable finance in Uganda's agribusiness sector. In just two years, we’ve made remarkable strides with partners and stakeholders by our side, from developing a Green Agribusiness Taxonomy in collaboration with the Global Green Growth Institute and the Ministry if Finance Planning and Economic Development to building the capacity of 52 financial institutions and supporting 40 institutions in developing environmental policies and green loan products. "Our mission places special emphasis on underserved communities and demographics like women, youth, and refugees. With a 14-year history of commitment, we’re proud to prioritise inclusivity in every project." Here’s to continued growth, greater resilience, and a thriving green future for all!

At the 2024 Annual Banking & Financial Services Awareness Month and World Savings Day launch, aBi Finance’s Noah Owomugisha delivered an impactful keynote, calling attention to Uganda's journey toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. While Uganda ranks 18th among 52 African nations with an SDG score of 54.88 (above the regional average), challenges remain—particularly in SDGs related to poverty, urban development, and justice. The event was organised by aBi Finance partners, THE UGANDA INSTITUTE OF BANKING & FINANCIAL SERVICES & Uganda Bankers' Association. Key Takeaways: - Sustainability Balance: While much of the focus has been on climate mitigation, Uganda needs tailored climate adaptation strategies to meet its specific environmental challenges. - Resource Gap: Government funding covers only 15% of the USD 28.1bn needed to achieve our climate commitments. Private sector and civil society contributions are vital! - Knowledge & Skills Gap: Limited hands-on sustainability expertise highlights the need for stronger networks and collaboration across sectors. - Shared Responsibility: Sustainable progress requires involvement at every level—from individuals and households to organizations and government. Call to Action: 1. Strengthen partnerships and deepen SDG localisation. 2. Cultivate SDG-driven innovation, especially among youth. 3. Prioritize financing and innovative financial mechanisms to support SDGs. 4. Enhance technology and information systems to track SDG progress. Together, through innovation, shared responsibility, and robust partnerships, we can unlock Uganda’s full potential in creating a sustainable future for all.

aBi Finance, represented by our Investment Manager for Green Growth and Business Development Services, Bwire Moses, participated in the #Green #Finance #Dialogue 2024 held yesterday at Méstil Hotel & Residences. Kampala. Organised by #UGEFA, the event was funded by the European Union Delegation to Uganda and implemented by adelphi. Under the theme “Charting the Future of Green Finance in Uganda,” Bwire presented #aBi #Finance’s green finance instruments tailored for agribusiness, highlighting their evolution over the past five years. He addressed the ongoing challenges #SMEs face in accessing green finance and discussed aBi Finance’s approach to overcoming these barriers. He concluded by sharing success stories from our green finance initiatives, illustrating their positive impact across Uganda.

Join Embassy of Denmark in Uganda for the Climate & Youth Screening of the "70/30" during the EU Film Festival! 🗓 Date: Tuesday, 29th October 🕒 Time: 2:00 PM 📍 Venue: National Theater #EUFilmFestival #ClimateAction #YouthForChange

"Partnerships are essential to successful conservation efforts. By working together, we can make significant progress toward fulfilling our commitments as the private sector to mitigate the negative impacts of human-wildlife conflicts caused by misaligned conservation initiatives."  These words were shared by Mona Muguma Ssebuliba, CEO of aBi Finance, during the launch of the Living Planet Report by WWF and the Zoological Society of London.  The Living Planet Report, released every two years, is WWF’s flagship publication. It offers a comprehensive analysis of global biodiversity trends and the health of our planet—highlighting both the challenges we face and the actions required to secure a sustainable future.  Findings from the 2024 report reveal that the average size of monitored wildlife populations has decreased by 73% from 1970-2020, as measured by the Living Planet Index (LPI). aBi Finance is pleased to be part of the solution through collaborative efforts, investing in sustainable agribusiness, and promoting green growth. Together with partners, we can balance human needs with conservation, ensuring that people and nature thrive side by side.