Absa Business Club West Nile Regional SME Forum Empowers Local Businesses, Investors, and Entrepreneurs in Arua City

The Absa Business Club West Nile Regional SME Forum brought together hundreds of entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders in Arua with a clear mission: to empower local enterprises to grow, compete, and build lasting legacies.

Held under the theme “Building a Business Legacy: Sustaining Enterprises for Generations,” the event blended inspiration with practical solutions, offering a roadmap for the region’s economic transformation.

Opening the forum, Mr. Asaga Habib, Branch Manager of Absa Bank Arua, delivered a powerful commitment to local businesses.

“We are not just here to talk; we are here toensure your businesses thrive,” he said. “From working capital to asset financing, we want to empower you to growwith confidence. This is about building a legacy for West Nile, together.”

Attention then shifted to international opportunities. A representative from Uganda Airlines highlighted the carrier’s 17 direct destinations—including Dubai, London, Lagos, and Mumbai—positioning West Nile entrepreneurs within reach of global markets.

“Imagine your fresh produce from West Nile reaching Dubai in hours,” the official said.

Special discounted fares for Absa Business Club members further underscored the promise of affordable global expansion.

^{Uganda Airlines Official Presenting}

Enterprise Uganda led a masterclass on business sustainability, focusing on four key pillars: visionary leadership with a long-term outlook, people investment through training and empowerment, customer obsession by listening and adapting to market needs, and financial discipline with strict attention to cash flow.

The forum also showcased practical support from partners.

Tata Uganda presented durable vehicles tailored for agriculture, education, and transport—made accessible through Absa’s financing options.

Grand Thornton emphasized the importance of protection.

One of the most dynamic sessions came during the open-floor Q&A, where entrepreneurs voiced pressing challenges.

• On Forex Volatility: Absa experts explained hedging strategies to reduce uncertainty.
• On Digital Banking: Responding to concerns about app complexity, the bank pledged to hold hands-on training sessions in Arua.
• On Youth Inclusion: Calls for youth support were met with promises of mentorship and financing tailored for young entrepreneurs.

As the formal program closed, the energy shifted to networking. Business cards were exchanged, partnerships discussed, and deals set in motion.

Mr. Khabib, moving through the crowd, reiterated Absa’s commitment:

“This is not the end. It is the beginning. Our goal is to see West Nile businesses compete nationally and globally. We are your partners on that journey.”

Join the movement. Visit the Absa branch in Arua or go to www.absabank.ug to learn more and join the Absa Business Club today.

BY: Aldo ADOMATI - dailywestnile.info