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Uganda's central bank chief urges Airtel to boost SMEs

By , ITWeb
Uganda , 12 Feb 2025
Soumendra Sahu, managing director of Airtel Uganda, meets with Dr. Michael Atingi-Ego, newly appointed Governor of the Bank of Uganda.
Soumendra Sahu, managing director of Airtel Uganda, meets with Dr. Michael Atingi-Ego, newly appointed Governor of the Bank of Uganda.

Dr. Michael Atingi-Ego, the newly appointed governor of the Bank of Uganda, has asked Airtel to expand its digital and financial solutions for locals.

He made the call while meeting with Airtel Uganda's managing director, Soumendra Sahu, and Airtel Money Uganda's MD, Japhet Aritho, on a courtesy visit to the governor.

On Monday, President Yoweri Museveni appointed Michael Atingi-Ego as governor of the central bank, with Augustus Nuwagaba serving as his deputy.

Atingi-Ego previously held a senior role at the Bank of Uganda before departing and returning as deputy governor in 2020.

Since the death of long-time governor Emmanuel Tumusiime-Mutebile in 2022, he has served as acting governor of the bank.

Yesterday, during his discussion with Airtel executives, Atingi-Ego emphasised the importance of financial inclusion in Uganda's socioeconomic growth, highlighting the potential for SMEs that now lack internet access and working capital.

He encouraged Airtel to pursue growth in this underserved sector, according to Airtel.

Airtel went on to say Sahu answered by reinforcing Airtel Uganda's commitment to improving network capabilities to promote digital and financial growth in the country.

While, Aritho committed to furthering the reach of credit, savings, and insurance through Airtel Money.

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