Since its establishment in 2018, the dfcu’s Agribusiness Development Centre (ADC) has been at the helm of transforming the landscape of agribusiness in Uganda by making sure that farmer organisations and individuals in agribusiness are self-sufficient.
Through Agribusiness centre’s comprehensive business development programs, the centre has helped over 800 enterprises and 27,00 smallholder farms to increase their productivity, access to markets and also mitigate risks in their business.
With its focus on gender and youth empowerment, the centre has produced remarkable results with an average of 50% trained youth and women going on to assume management positions. This has increased their participation in decision-making processes, underscoring the centre’s commitment to fostering diverse leadership and innovation.
Additionally, the Agribusiness centre has facilitated its clients through working capital/trade finance worth UGX 28.38 billion. This support has directly benefited smallholder farmers, ensuring they make prompt payments for agricultural produce and they access vital extension services.
dfcu through the centre has achieved tremendous milestones in the past year through some of its prolific initiatives.
In September 2022, the centre with support from dfcu Bank and Rabo Foundation launched BAP – the Business Accelerator Programme to fast-track the growth and scalability of young agribusinesses. With a focus on validating business models, understanding strategic positioning and facilitating growth, the accelerator programme has provided investment readiness support to young agribusinesses with 61% of women-led agribusinesses actively participating in the program.
Enid Natukunda Mugisha, the Managing Director of Raw & Organic, began her journey in 2019 and has since built a thriving business. “I discovered the accelerator programme through dfcu Bank’s ‘Women in Business’ programme and that is why I didn’t hesitate to enroll for it,” she says.
“I had a shoddy business plan, but they helped us to develop the new one we are using. We now even have a marketing plan we developed with them step by step,” she notes.
To those small businesses that need help and haven’t attended the Business Accelerator Programme training, Natukunda says its worth an investment.
“Even if you don’t need the capital, they help you put your house in order. Through the training, we are now on the journey of product certification with UNBS. You may have happy customers, but you need to certify your products with quality marks,” she affirms.
dfcu’s Agribusiness Development Centre is not just empowering communities but it is poised to transform lives and shape the future of agriculture in Uganda.
Through its innovative programs, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to excellence, dfcu, through ADC is leading the way towards a more sustainable and inclusive agribusiness sector.