Consolidate cross-border collaboration, regional bankers told
Participants at the East African Banking School (EABS) Conference pose for a group photograph.
Stakeholders in the banking industry in the East African Region have been urged to find ways of working together more closely in a bid to strengthen their regional economies.
Speaking at the recently concluded East African Banking School (EABS) Conference that was hosted by the Uganda Institute of Banking and Financial Services (UIBFS), various speakers stressed the importance of collaboration by financial services providers if the region is to register sustainable development.
Dr. Tumubweine Twinemanzi, the Executive Director Supervision at the Bank of Uganda, who represented his boss, Dr. Michael Atingi-Ego, the Deputy Governor, highlighted the significance of the conference as a strategic gathering aimed at shaping the future landscape of banking and financial services in East Africa.
- In her welcome remarks, Goretti Masadde, the CEO of UIBFS, cited the recent successful partnerships such as the MOU they signed with Women in Finance Rwanda to offer credit and microfinance training.
The event brought together leaders, experts, and innovators in the banking industry with the aim of fostering collaboration, sharing insights, and driving the growth and sustainability of the financial services sector in East Africa.
Masadde extended her appreciation to its partners and sponsors, which included the Kenya Institute of Bankers, the Tanzania Institute of Bankers, Bank of Uganda, NCBA Bank and Diamond Trust Bank, among others.
- Fabian Kasi, the president of the Council, highlighted the significance of Uganda hosting the EABS Conference for the seventh time, saying it underscored our commitment to advancing the banking and finance sector in East Africa.
Michael Mugabi, the Board Chairman of UIBFS, said hosting this conference is a testament to Uganda’s emergence as a hub for financial innovation and leadership.
Peter Kimbowa, the Board Chairman of the National Social Security Fund (NSSF), made a presentation titled; ‘Financial Inclusion: The Role of Pension Funds in Developing Sustainable Economies’ in which he emphasized the need for all financial sector players to collaborate in increasing the value of generational wealth in the region.
Gathering professionals from banking and financial services sectors regionally and beyond, the event provided a dynamic arena for networking, knowledge exchange, and professional growth.
The discussions tackled pressing topics such as Ethics and Integrity in banking, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices, and the evolving opportunities within the Oil and Gas sectors.
- The conference was largely described as successful as it not only showcased Uganda's strides in financial thought leadership and innovation but also provided a fertile ground for collaboration and advancement in the banking sector across East Africa.
- Indeed, as the discussions and partnerships that were forged during the event ripple across the region, the vision of building sustainable regional economies through unified banking efforts is promising.