In a significant milestone for ethical finance, Centenary Bank, Uganda’s leading microfinance institution, has announced that it will host the 17th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Global Alliance for Banking on Values (GABV). The event, scheduled to take place from March 10th to 14th, 2025, at the prestigious Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala, will bring together a global network of financial institutions committed to using finance as a force for sustainable economic, social, and environmental development.
This year’s AGM, themed “Building Resilient Futures: Lessons from Africa and Value-Based Banking,” will focus on the role of collaboration between African innovators, financial institutions, and global stakeholders in shaping a more sustainable and inclusive banking sector. As the first African host of this prestigious event, Centenary Bank is set to showcase the continent’s innovative approaches to ethical banking and financial inclusion.
The Global Alliance for Banking on Values (GABV) is a coalition of over 70 pioneering financial institutions across 45 countries, all dedicated to leveraging finance for positive social and environmental impact. The alliance’s core principles—transparency, long-term sustainability, and inclusivity—ensure that banking serves as a catalyst for positive change. According to GABV, banks that adopt these principles achieve an average annual growth rate of 10.6%, compared to 3.8% for mainstream banks. Furthermore, values-based banking institutions direct 72% more of their loans toward sustainable economic activities.
Centenary Bank’s selection as the host of the 2025 GABV AGM underscores its leadership in ethical banking and financial inclusion. With over 3.26 million customers, including smallholder farmers, micro-entrepreneurs, and women in rural communities, Centenary Bank has consistently demonstrated its commitment to serving the underserved. The bank’s deposit portfolio has grown to UGX 4.81 trillion, with gross loans worth UGX 3.81 trillion extended to approximately 320,000 customers. These achievements are driven by the dedication of 3,379 staff members across 81 branches nationwide.
Fabian Kasi, Managing Director of Centenary Bank, emphasized the significance of hosting the GABV AGM, stating, “Centenary Bank is proud to be the first African host of the GABV Annual General Meeting. This event will offer a platform for attendees to showcase the innovative approaches that the African banking sector has adopted to navigate challenges in a volatile industry such as banking.”
Kasi added, “Values-based banking is in our DNA. At Centenary Bank, we understand that financial services must do more than just generate profits; they must drive positive change in people’s lives and foster sustainable growth. Whether it is financing small businesses, promoting financial literacy, or supporting climate-smart agriculture, we remain deeply committed to creating a future that is equitable, inclusive, and sustainable.”
The GABV AGM will provide a unique opportunity for participants to share insights and explore innovative approaches to addressing global challenges through values-based banking. The event will feature discussions on how African financial institutions can lead the way in building resilient futures, drawing on lessons from the continent’s unique experiences and challenges.
The AGM will be sponsored by several partners who share GABV’s values, including Platinum Sponsors Pebbu, Gold Sponsors Zubacx, NSSF, and CraftCilicon, and Silver Sponsors Uganda Institute of Bankers (UIB), Micropay, Service Cops, and Fincon.
As a bank that leads by example, Centenary Bank allocates 2% of its net profit from the previous year to Corporate Social Investment (CSI) activities, impacting lives in communities across Uganda. This commitment to social responsibility is a testament to the bank’s mission to transform lives through inclusive and sustainable financial solutions, particularly in rural areas.
The 17th Annual General Meeting of the Global Alliance for Banking on Values marks a defining moment for Centenary Bank and the broader movement for ethical finance. By hosting this event, Centenary Bank not only reinforces its position as a leader in microfinance but also highlights Africa’s growing role in shaping the future of sustainable banking.
As the world faces increasing economic, social, and environmental challenges, the principles of values-based banking offer a roadmap for creating a more equitable and sustainable future. The 2025 GABV AGM in Kampala will be a pivotal event in advancing this vision, bringing together global leaders in ethical finance to build resilient futures for all.