UDB hosts landmark summit to redefine Africa’s development finance architecture
Themed “Transforming Africa through National Development Finance Architecture”, the Summit seeks to chart a bold new course for the continent’s economic future, anchored in resilient, responsive and strategically empowered National Development Banks
KAMPALA, August 1, 2025 – With Africa at a pivotal moment in its economic evolution, the Uganda Development Bank [UDB] is stepping forward to host a high-level gathering of African and global leaders at the Uganda Development Finance Summit, scheduled for September 1-2, 2025 at Speke Resort Conventional Centre in Munyonyo, Kampala.
Themed “Transforming Africa through National Development Finance Architecture”, the Summit seeks to chart a bold new course for the continent’s economic future, anchored in resilient, responsive and strategically empowered National Development Banks [NDBs].
The two-day event is expected to bring together influential policymakers, economists, business leaders, and development finance experts to unpack the challenges and opportunities in Africa’s development financing ecosystem.
Among the notable speakers are Jeffrey Sachs, renowned American economist and professor at Columbia University; Monique Nsanzabaganwa, former Deputy Chairperson of the African Union [AU]; Patricia Ojangole, Managing Director of UDB; and Rita Babihuga-Nzanze, Chief Economist at Africa Finance Corporation [AFC].
Rethinking the development finance model
Africa’s vast economic potential continues to be constrained by an outdated financial architecture that lacks the agility to respond to pressing developmental needs. The Summit’s mission is to stimulate a candid conversation about how to restructure this system, placing NDBs at the heart of inclusive and sustainable growth.
“This is more than a conference, it’s a platform for action,” said an official from UDB. “National Development Banks must be reimagined not as lenders of last resort, but as strategic agents of transformation across the continent.”
A packed agenda to Inform, inspire, and mobilise
Day One opens with keynote addresses and a high-level plenary titled “A New Development Paradigm”, which will explore how Africa can fast-track economic transformation through blended finance, industrial policy, and private sector engagement.
Parallel sessions in the afternoon will address: Commercialising agriculture using emerging technologies and financial tools; Industries Without Smokestacks, focusing on youth employment and digital services; A high-level discussion on Reshaping Industry for Sustainable Economy [RISE] in Uganda.
The day concludes with a High-Level Panel reflecting on Africa’s economic trajectory and a Gala Cocktail Reception – Uganda Nite, celebrating cultural richness and regional collaboration.
Addressing global shifts and local realities
On Day Two, participants will dive into the continent’s position within global trade dynamics. A keynote address titled “How Africa Trades” will be followed by a panel examining the implications of shifting global trade routes, and how NDBs can support resilient value chains and industrial capacity.
Further sessions will delve into: Getting Finance to Work – focusing on blended finance and impact investment in energy and infrastructure; Technological Transformation – exploring the role of development finance in bridging the digital divide and supporting innovation ecosystems.
The summit closes with a forward-looking plenary: “Reimagining National Development Banks as Architects of Inclusive and Sustainable Transformation”, synthesising the key takeaways and laying the groundwork for long-term collaboration.
A Turning point for Africa
The significance of the Uganda Development Finance Summit lies in its timing and intent. As Africa confronts a growing youth population, rapid urbanisation, climate change, and a shifting global economic landscape, a new financial paradigm is imperative. NDBs, long overlooked or underutilised, are being positioned as central institutions to unlock capital, mitigate risk, and fund long-term development.
“Transforming the development finance ecosystem isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity,” said a local development finance analyst. “This summit sets the tone for what the future of finance in Africa should look like: locally driven, inclusive, and impact-oriented.”
Moving beyond conversation
With participation from institutions such as the African Union, Africa Finance Corporation, Trade and Development Fund, Uganda Revenue Authority, and National Agricultural Research Organisation [NARO], and other regional and international organisations like International Finance Corporation [IFC], the summit is expected to produce a set of actionable insights and policy recommendations to inform future reforms and partnerships.
The Uganda Development Bank, through its leadership in convening this event, is sending a clear message: Africa’s development financing future must be shaped by African institutions, for African needs.
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