dfcu Bank has launched the dfcu Foundation, a strategic evolution of its former Agribusiness Development Centre (ADC), in a bid to deepen support for Uganda’s smallholder farmers and entrepreneurs.
The rebrand, announced at a ceremony in the western district of Mbarara, is being billed as more than a name change — it represents what the bank describes as a “renewed commitment” to transforming livelihoods and businesses across the country.
“By widening our scope, we are creating a platform that not only supports agriculture, but also advances financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and sustainability,” said Kate Kiiza, Executive Director of dfcu Bank.
The Foundation will extend beyond the ADC’s original mandate of strengthening agricultural value chains, now offering services ranging from business mentorship to market linkages and access to finance — with a deliberate focus on youth and women.
“This launch is not a departure from our roots in agribusiness,” explained Mabel Ndawula, Executive Director of the dfcu Foundation. “It is an expansion — an opportunity to reach more communities, with more impact.”
Looking ahead, the Foundation aims to reach 100,000 new beneficiaries over the next five years — 60% of them women, and 40% young people. Uganda’s population is among the youngest globally, with over three-quarters under the age of 30, many of whom face high unemployment and limited formal job prospects.
“By targeting women and youth, we are investing in the very segments of society that have the most to gain — and the most to give — in building Uganda’s future,” Ndawula said.
Agriculture remains Uganda’s economic backbone, employing more than 70% of the population and contributing roughly a quarter of the country’s GDP. But farmers face long-standing barriers, including limited access to credit, poor infrastructure, and lack of business skills.
The new Foundation will attempt to close those gaps by offering what it calls “tailored solutions” — including financial training, digital tools, and market-ready support for farmer groups and small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
The launch event drew representatives from government, civil society, and farming communities, underlining what dfcu says will be a collaborative approach to rural development.
The Agribusiness Development Centre, which was co-founded by dfcu Bank and the Dutch NGO Rabo Foundation, had recorded notable successes prior to its rebrand. By the end of 2024, it had supported over 1,200 enterprises with debt financing and training, while helping 490 businesses through growth acceleration programmes.
According to dfcu, the ADC reached 59,000 beneficiaries since its inception, with women making up more than half. It also helped facilitate $22 million in business linkages and connected over 5,000 enterprises to financial services.
The dfcu Foundation says it will build on that legacy — and broaden it — with a fresh national rollout of programmes starting this year.
“Our mission is to empower,” said Kiiza. “When farmers thrive, the country prospers.”
