Press Releases

Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) financing gateway platform launched in Uganda

Platform part of MARKUP II programme linking MSMEs to available MSME finance providers across East Africa

A woman speaks at the official launch of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Financing Gateway in Kampala on 22 August 2024. The platform is an initiative of the Private Sector Foundation of Uganda and the International Trade Centre, with funding from the European Union, and is part of the MARKUP II programme, which aims to link MSMEs with available MSME-specific finance providers across East Africa. The Financing Gateway is a free, multilingual and impartial directory of finance sources, business support organisations and consultants that businesses can quickly filter, select and use to connect with finance options and business development services that meet their needs.
The MSME Financing Gateway — a free and multilingual directory of finance sources, business support organisations and consultants tailored to MSMEs — was launched in Kampala on 22 August © Private Sector Foundation Uganda

Issued by: International Trade Centre

In a significant step forward in supporting the growth and development of Uganda’s micro, small and medium enterprises sector, the MSME Financing Gateway Platform was recently launched in Uganda.

By providing MSMEs with the resources they need to succeed, this platform will help create jobs, boost economic activity and contribute to Uganda’s overall prosperity.

The Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU), Uganda’s private sector apex body with over 330 member associations and companies, and the International Trade Centre (ITC), a joint agency of the United Nations and the World Trade Organisation dedicated to helping small businesses in developing countries trade, launched the platform. The launch is part of the second phase of the European Union (EU)-East African Community (EAC) Market Access Upgrade Programme (EU-EAC MARKUP II) funded by the EU.

More than just a financing platform, the MSME Financing Gateway offers a comprehensive suite of tools to support MSME growth, including news and event notifications to keep entrepreneurs informed about industry trends and opportunities, as well as a repository of downloadable learning resources to enhance business knowledge and skills.