Pearl Bank's Loan Portfolio Surpasses Shs 1 Trillion Amidst Growth Strategy

Pearl Bank has announced a major achievement, reporting that its loan book has now surpassed the Shs 1 trillion mark. This significant growth represents a substantial increase from the Shs 749 billion reported at the close of 2025 and reflects the bank’s successful expansion and increased market share.

Agriculture and agro-industrialization have been the primary drivers of this expansion, accounting for approximately 35% of the total loan portfolio. This focus aligns with Uganda’s National Development Plan IV and the bank’s Tenfold Growth Strategy, with nearly half of its investments directed towards priority growth sectors.

Martin Mugisha, Executive Director – Operations at Pearl Bank, stated that the bank set an ambitious goal to double its market share by developing tailored products. He highlighted the crucial role of agriculture and agro-industrialization, attributing their success to disciplined execution across the institution.

Beyond agriculture, Pearl Bank has broadened its financing to include MSMEs, trade, logistics, and construction, supporting various facets of economic activity. Key to this expansion has been collaboration with partners such as the Government of Uganda, the Bank of Uganda’s Agricultural Credit Facility (ACF), Aceli Africa, aBi Finance, and AFD, who provide crucial affordable funding and risk-sharing mechanisms.

Mugisha emphasized that reducing the cost of borrowing remains a significant challenge for the private sector. He noted that these partnerships enable Pearl Bank to offer more affordable and sustainable lending, particularly to agriculture and SMEs where financing gaps are substantial.

The Shs 1 trillion milestone is directly linked to Pearl Bank’s 2024-2028 strategic plan, aiming for sustainable financial inclusion, entrepreneurship stimulation, and enterprise growth. The bank plans to further strengthen its presence in agriculture while extending financing to sectors like tourism, construction, and minerals, supporting the government’s ATMS agenda.

To facilitate future growth, especially in long-term investments, Pearl Bank aims to secure increased access to long-term capital through enhanced local and international partnerships. The bank is also leveraging digital platforms and its agency network to expand financial inclusion, moving beyond traditional brick-and-mortar branches.

Source: Nile Post