PostBank Uganda has officially rebranded as Pearl Bank and, in a landmark move, signed a UGX 60 billion partnership with the French Development Agency (AFD) to accelerate agricultural growth.

The announcement comes in the wake of the government’s launch of the National Development Programme IV (NDP IV), which prioritizes agro-industrialization as a driver of Uganda’s economic transformation. With nearly 70% of Ugandans engaged in agriculture, the sector remains central to national development.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, Pearl Bank Managing Director Julius Kakeeto said the collaboration will strengthen the agricultural value chain and empower rural communities, women-led farming groups, and informal cooperatives.

He emphasized that the funding will only support enterprises and activities tied to agriculture, from agro-input suppliers to mechanization and irrigation service providers.

“This partnership is an enabler of Uganda’s agricultural transformation,” Kakeeto noted, reaffirming the bank’s commitment to creating opportunities for its customers across the value chain.

French Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Virginie Leroy, praised the collaboration, saying it reflects AFD’s commitment to supporting inclusive growth in Uganda.

She highlighted job creation, improved household incomes, and better livelihoods as the expected outcomes of the initiative.

The rebrand to Pearl Bank marks a new chapter for the institution, aligning its identity with a bold vision of innovation, resilience, and deeper investment in Uganda’s key economic sectors.

By Charles Katabalwa

3rd Oct 2025

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