aBi – Agricultural Business Initiative hosted a high-level Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) training session on Monday, bringing together Board and Senior Management members from leading Tier 4 financial institutions across Uganda. The one-day session took place at the Fairway Hotel and Spa(Your Home Away from Home in Kampala and marked the launch of a nationwide ESG training initiative aimed at embedding sustainability principles into Uganda’s financial sector.
The inaugural training brought together representatives from institutions committed to responsible finance, including ASA Microfinance Bank, Eleglance Finance, Franciscan SACCO, Letshego Uganda Ltd, Uganda Microcredit Foundation, ENCOT Microfinance Ltd, WAZALENDO SACCO and the Association of Microfinance Institutions of Uganda.
Participants engaged in in-depth discussions on the practical integration of ESG principles into institutional operations, governance structures and strategic planning. The training programme addressed key thematic areas such as ESG governance, sustainable finance, risk management, and transparency in reporting. Designed specifically for Board and Executive Committee members, the session provided both a global perspective on ESG frameworks and a contextualised approach aligned with Uganda’s regulatory environment and development priorities.
Speaking during the event, aBi Finance’s leadership emphasised that ESG integration is not merely a compliance obligation but a transformative opportunity for financial institutions to enhance value, resilience and stakeholder trust. “At aBi Finance, we view ESG as a strategic imperative. We are committed to supporting financial institutions across the country with practical tools, frameworks and knowledge to operationalise sustainability at every level,” a representative stated.
Discussions were driven by a sense of urgency and purpose. Institutional leaders explored what ESG looks like in practice, how to manage associated risks and what support mechanisms are needed to accelerate implementation. They also examined how ESG can be positioned as a core driver of financial performance and long-term impact.
This session marks the first of 12 sub-regional ESG trainings that aBi Finance plans to roll out across Uganda throughout the year. The initiative aims to foster a more inclusive, environmentally conscious and ethically governed financial sector, one that is better equipped to respond to global trends and local challenges.