Centenary Bank, Uganda’s largest microfinance institution, has announced that it will host the 17th General Meeting of the Global Alliance for Banking on Values (GABV). The event, scheduled for March 10-14, 2025, will take place at Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala, bringing together banks committed to using finance as a force for positive change.
GABV is a global network of over 70 financial institutions across 45 countries, all dedicated to sustainability, social impact, and ethical banking. This year’s conference, themed “Building Resilient Futures: Lessons from Africa and Value-Based Banking,” will highlight how collaboration between African financial institutions, innovators, and global stakeholders can create a more inclusive and sustainable banking sector.
As the first African host of the event, Centenary Bank aims to showcase the progress Africa has made in ethical banking. The bank has been a leader in financial inclusion, supporting small businesses, rural farmers, and low-income communities through sustainable banking solutions.
The Impact of Values-Based Banking
The Global Alliance for Banking on Values believes that finance should serve both people and the planet. Its principles focus on transparency, long-term sustainability, and financial services that benefit local communities. Research from GABV shows that banks following these values grow at an annual rate of 10.6%, significantly higher than the 3.8% growth seen in mainstream banks. Additionally, values-based banks allocate 72% more of their loans toward sustainable economic activities.
Centenary Bank’s Commitment to Ethical Finance
Speaking at the launch of the GABV meeting, Fabian Kasi, Managing Director of Centenary Bank, emphasized the importance of hosting this event in Africa.
“Being the first African bank to host the GABV General Meeting is a milestone for us. This platform will allow us to share the innovative approaches African banks are using to address industry challenges,” Kasi said.
He added that Centenary Bank was founded to serve underserved communities by providing financial access to smallholder farmers, micro-entrepreneurs, and women in rural areas. “For us, banking is about more than profits—it’s about creating lasting, positive change.”
Centenary Bank invests in community projects, dedicating 2% of its annual net profit to Corporate Social Investment initiatives. The bank currently serves 3.26 million customers, manages UGX 4.81 trillion in deposits, and has provided UGX 3.81 trillion in loans to around 320,000 customers. Its 3,379 employees operate across 81 branches nationwide, reinforcing the bank’s commitment to financial inclusion and economic empowerment.
A Platform for Global Collaboration
The GABV General Meeting will provide an opportunity for financial leaders, innovators, and policymakers to share ideas on tackling global banking challenges through ethical finance. The event will be supported by sponsors aligned with GABV’s values, including Pebbu (Platinum Sponsor), Zubacx, NSSF, CraftCilicon (Gold Sponsors), and UIB, Micropay, Service Cops, Fincon (Silver Sponsors).
By hosting this global forum, Centenary Bank is reinforcing its role as a leader in sustainable banking in Africa. The conference will not only showcase Africa’s progress in ethical finance but also highlight the continent’s growing influence in shaping the future of global banking.
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