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Financial services for youth in Uganda: Match savings and credit product for OBUL

  • calendarJul 30, 2025
  • time 1 min

Uganda’s youthful population—77% under the age of 30, many of whom are smallholder farmers—faces limited access to tailored financial products. Despite serving over 240,000 depositors and 32,500 loan clients, Opportunity Bank Uganda (OBUL) had limited offerings designed specifically for youth, particularly those in agriculture. OBUL sought to close this gap to align with its vision of becoming the bank of choice for all.

MSC conducted a training needs assessment and worked closely with OBUL to build internal capacity to serve the youth segment. Using the Market Insights for Innovation and Design (MI4ID) approach and qualitative research, MSC guided the development of a matched savings product and an agriculture-linked credit product. These solutions were designed to promote financial discipline and support income-generating activities among young farmers.

MSC also supported OBUL in developing a product roadmap and business case, and facilitated pilot testing, including mid- and end-term reviews. As of December 2021, OBUL had successfully integrated the new youth products into its operations. The pilot showed strong demand and repayment capacity among youth clients, validating the business case and demonstrating the potential for long-term portfolio growth.

This initiative enabled OBUL to attract a previously underserved yet high-potential market segment, enhance portfolio quality, and expand its outreach—contributing to youth financial inclusion and agricultural productivity in Uganda.

OBUL’s youth portfolio is now worth USD ….or reaches xxxxxx numbers 

The project was funded and supported by Opportunity Bank Uganda (OBUL)

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