By D E Wasake, Principal, Inachee.com

Basic information

Target:

Working capital - for Agri business entities with the repayment of the loan being dependent on the nature and season of the agricultural activity to be financed.

Sector focus:

Agriculture

Amounts provided:

Minimum: Ushs100,000 Maximum: Ushs 3 billion

Funding type

Collateralized Loan – but structured around the agriculture activity and its seasonality.

Key criteria

Business project must be profitable.

Applicant must be resident within the branch designated area of operation.

Applicant must be owner or tenant of the land on which he/she operates.

Securities include land titles, sales agreements/ bibanja lease offers or moveable assets like cows, goats, sheep, household property or business equipment and tools.

Further information

 http://www.centenarybank.co.ug/content/other-product

Who is behind the product?

Centenary Bank  is listed on the Uganda Securities Exchange.

As of December 2013, Centenary Bank had an asset base that was valued at approximately US$573.3 million (UGX:1.45+ trillion), with shareholders' equity in excess of US$100 million (UGX:253.3 billion).[4] This represented 9.01% of all banking assets in the country, making Centenary Bank the fourth-largest commercial bank in the country at that time.

What is the process like?

Like a typical bank application process, the process will involve all/some of the following:

  • Application
  • Due diligence process including a site assessment visit
  • Securing of the collateral and
  • Disbursement of funds in line with terms and conditions.

Our view/tips for success?

Proper Books of accounts and analysis: As this is predominantly aimed at active participants in the agriculture value chain, you must also be keeping good books of accounts/records for easy assessment of the business.

We suggest you start now to keep your books including having regular meetings (say with an accountant or business partners) to analyse whether you are profitable, what your working capital needs are and whether you can pay the interest.

Otherwise best of luck!  If you need further assistance or guidance, contact our team

Disclaimer

Inachee is not an agent or connected to this entity. It is an independent thought leadership and advisory firm.

The information provided is based on our research, experience and if we are able to contact them, by speaking to this entity’s personnel. Whilst we have taken steps to ensure the accuracy of the information presented here, there can be no guarantee that it will remain accurate.