Mona Muguma Ssebuliba, the Chief Executive of aBi Finance, has been recognised by the CEO East Africa Magazine as one of Uganda’s 100 Leading and Most Admired CEOs of 2024. This recognition not only celebrates her exceptional leadership, but also highlights her visionary approach in transforming Uganda’s financial services and agribusiness sectors.

Mona’s journey in the agricultural finance space is a testament to her commitment to creating sustainable and inclusive financial solutions that empower farmers and agribusinesses across Uganda. Under her leadership, aBi Finance has been instrumental in driving financial innovation, particularly in rural areas where access to credit and financial services remains a significant challenge.

One of Mona’s notable achievements has been her role in the expansion of agricultural value chain financing. She has led initiatives that have increased access to credit for smallholder farmers, enabling them to invest in modern farming techniques, improve yields, and increase their income. By facilitating partnerships between financial institutions and agribusinesses, Mona has helped to create a more resilient agricultural sector, which is crucial for Uganda’s food security and economic growth.

Mona’s leadership has also been pivotal in the development of tailored financial products that address the unique needs of farmers. For instance, her work in promoting mobile banking solutions has made financial services more accessible to rural communities, allowing farmers to save, borrow, and invest with ease. These innovations have not only improved financial inclusion but have also empowered women and youth, who are often marginalized in the agricultural sector.

Beyond her work at aBi Finance, Mona is an advocate for gender equality and the empowerment of women in agriculture. She has spearheaded programs that provide training and mentorship to women farmers, helping them to become more competitive in the market. Through her efforts, more women are taking on leadership roles in their communities and contributing to the growth of Uganda’s agricultural economy.

Mona’s recognition is not just a personal achievement, but a shared victory with the entire Board, Management, and Staff at aBi Finance. Their collective dedication, collaboration, and hard work have been instrumental in delivering the impact and results that have led to this honour.

We also want to extend our sincere gratitude to our shareholders—the Embassy of Denmark in Uganda, the Investment Fund for Developing Countries, and the European Union. Their unwavering support and partnership have been pivotal in our journey, and we are deeply appreciative of their continued commitment to our mission.

As Mona continues to lead aBi Finance, her vision for a more inclusive and sustainable financial system remains clear. She is not just shaping the future of agricultural finance in Uganda but also empowering countless individuals to achieve their potential and contribute to the nation’s development.

This recognition by CEO East Africa Magazine is a fitting tribute to a leader who is truly making a difference in Uganda’s agricultural sector and beyond.