By BigEyeUg Team
Equity Bank Uganda has confirmed its participation in the upcoming 3rd Annual Convention of the Confederation of Ugandans in Southern Africa (COUSA), scheduled to run from August 1–3, 2025, in Johannesburg, South Africa.
This strategic move marks another milestone in the bank’s ongoing efforts to strengthen ties with the Ugandan diaspora and promote inclusive economic development through tailored financial services.
With the convention just days away, anticipation is building among Ugandans living abroad and those interested in diaspora-driven investment and development. Equity Bank Uganda’s presence at the event will provide a vital platform for networking, financial literacy, and business exploration.
A Continued Commitment to the Diaspora
This isn’t the bank’s first outreach to Ugandans abroad. In 2024, Equity Bank held a successful engagement with the Ugandan community in the United Arab Emirates, where it launched specialized services, including diaspora accounts, investment advisory support, and seamless remittance solutions. Building on this momentum, the bank now sets its sights on Southern Africa—home to a sizable and economically active Ugandan diaspora.
According to the Bank of Uganda, diaspora remittances totaled $1.43 billion in 2023, contributing nearly 3% to the country’s GDP. These figures highlight the pivotal role Ugandans abroad play in sustaining local economies back home. Equity Bank’s active outreach reflects a recognition of this influence and a desire to provide tools that enable even greater financial participation and impact.
About the COUSA Convention
COUSA, founded in 2018 as a non-profit organization, has become a flagship institution for Ugandans living in Southern Africa. The annual convention brings together professionals, business owners, policymakers, and students to foster dialogue, celebrate culture, and promote economic empowerment.
The 2025 convention, now in its third year, is themed around “Economic Empowerment and Strategic Networking.” It promises an engaging lineup of activities including keynote addresses, panel discussions, and business exhibitions. For Equity Bank, it offers a prime opportunity to present its innovative banking solutions to a receptive audience.
Services Tailored for the Diaspora
At the Johannesburg event, Equity Bank will host interactive sessions and personalized consultations to showcase its diaspora-focused offerings. These include:
- Diaspora savings and investment accounts
- Real estate financing and land purchase advisory
- Business funding solutions for those seeking to invest back home
- Secure and affordable remittance platforms
- Financial literacy and wealth-building seminars
These services aim to help Ugandans abroad build sustainable wealth, support their families, and invest in the country’s future.
A Lifeline for Families and the Economy
Stories like that of Edriss Kironde—a Ugandan who has lived in the United States for nearly three decades—reveal the emotional and economic importance of connecting with one’s homeland. As emphasized in a recent report by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Uganda, remittances are the “lifeblood” of millions of Ugandan families and a critical driver of national development.
By participating in COUSA 2025, Equity Bank Uganda is not only extending its banking services—it’s also reinforcing its role as a bridge between Uganda and its global citizens.