KAMPALA, January 4, 2026 — The Trade and Development Bank Group [TDB] recently marked 40 years of operations with renewed praise from government and financial sector leaders, who credit the institution’s transformation for its growing role in financing trade, regional integration, and sustainable development across Africa.
Speaking at a recent high-level anniversary reception in Kampala, Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury, Ramathan Ggoobi said the milestone reflects not just longevity, but the bank’s ability to evolve in step with Africa’s development needs.
“This is more than a celebration of years. It is recognition of how TDB Group has grown from its origins as PTA Bank into a world-class development finance institution that is central to regional integration and economic transformation,” Ggoobi said.
Held under the theme “Innovating Solutions to Accelerate Sustainable Development,” the ruby anniversary highlighted TDB Group’s focus on scaling development finance and supporting long-term growth across its member states. The Bank says its next decade will prioritise deeper regional integration and expanded partnerships, including in Uganda.
TDB Group President and Managing Director Admassu Tadesse led the institution’s delegation at the event, alongside Wegoki Menan, Chief Operating Officer for East Africa, and Mary Kamari, Executive Director of the Trade and Development Fund and a TDB Group Executive.
Uganda, a founding member of TDB Group, has been among the largest beneficiaries of the Bank’s financing. Since 1985, TDB Group has committed close to US$ 1 billion to Uganda’s economy, targeting sectors such as energy, agribusiness, manufacturing, infrastructure, financial services, and health.
The anniversary celebrations also saw the launch of a commemorative Coffee Table Book documenting TDB Group’s institutional journey and development impact.
Speaking at the launch, Kamari said the publication [Coffee Table Book] reflects the importance of strategic communication in development finance.“In a fast-moving and increasingly digital world, telling the story of development impact with clarity and credibility is essential,” she said.
She added that the publication traces TDB Group’s evolution from its early years through major reforms over the past decade to its emergence as a diversified financial group with a balance sheet exceeding US$ 10 billion.
Founded in 1985, TDB Group is an African regional multilateral development bank mandated to finance trade, foster regional economic integration, and support sustainable development. Over the years, it has expanded into a diversified group with subsidiaries spanning banking, asset management, insurance, development finance, and capacity building.
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