Grameen Foundation : Where we work : Sub-Saharan Africa : Uganda
Uganda
The Need in Uganda
Since the late 1980s Uganda has sprung back from the abyss of civil war and economic catastrophe to become relatively peaceful, stable and prosperous. Multi-party politics were restored in 2005 and the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) and government signed a truce in August 2006 aimed at ending the 19-year long ethnic conflict that has plagued Uganda in the past.
The population of Uganda is primarily rural, leaving communities relatively isolated from each other and from critical information that could assist their entrepreneurial businesses. Almost 38 percent of the population lives below the poverty line.
Although microfinance is relatively new to Uganda, the growth and development of microfinance institutions has been remarkable. Microfinance has become a lively private sector industry serving Uganda's poor.
The microfinance industry in Uganda reaches over one million people, and has demonstrated substantial growth in terms of outreach, recognition and specialization since 1994. It operates across urban and rural areas and concentrates on the lower income levels of society (the economically active poor), which comprise the overwhelming majority of the population. More than 70 percent of clients of MFIs are women.
Grameen Foundation assists MFIs in expanding their outreach and achieving a steady income stream by offering via Village Phone. Village Phone both serves as a sustainable business venture for the poor women of rural Uganda, and allows local farmers and other suppliers access to markets once outside their reach.
Beyond the Village Phone product, GF is testing additional ideas that local micro-entrepreneurs can sell in conjunction with Village Phone. GF is also working within the MFI sector in the training of loan officers and assisting MFIs to become more efficient through technical solutions.
Our Application Laboratory (AppLab) focuses on testing, developing and scaling mobile phone applications that have the potential to improve lives in livelihoods in poor, underserved communities. AppLab Uganda launched in October 2007 and GF is finalizing preparations to launch a suite of products designed to bring positive social and economic impact in Uganda and beyond.
Our Community Knowledge Worker initiative is exploring how locally-based “trusted intermediaries” can meet the needs of small-holder farmers by providing information and other services through mobile phones. Launched in November 2008, the initiative is currently working in two regions in Uganda to disseminate information to help farmers improve their productivity and increase revenues and to collect information which can help others better meet their needs.
Learn more about Village Phone >
Community Knowledge Worker initiative >
Read client success stories in Uganda >
Grameen Foundation : Where we work : Sub-Saharan Africa : Uganda
Grameen Foundation uses microfinance and innovative technology to fight global poverty and bring opportunities to the world's poorest people. With tiny loans and financial services, we help the poor, mostly women, start businesses and escape poverty. Our global network of 55 microfinance institution (MFI) partners including our Growth Guarantee partners has touched more than 34 million people in 24 countries. In addition, we introduced and now sustain technology initiatives (Mifos and Village Phone) in Cameroon, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda, bringing our total country outreach to 28.
+1-202-628-3560 www.grameenfoundation.org
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