Pearl Bank extends amazing opportunities to expo-goers
According to Osauro, among the products available are seasonal loans, which allow farmers to borrow and repay based on the agricultural calendar.
Pearl Bank has tailored its services to meet the unique needs of farmers and players in the agricultural value chain. (Photos by Miriam Namutebi)
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Pearl Bank, formerly known as Post Bank Uganda, is offering amazing agricultural opportunities at the ongoing 10th Harvest Money Expo. Julius Akais Osauro, the supervisor of agriculture and Partnerships at Pearl Bank, revealed the bank’s excitement and commitment to supporting Uganda’s agricultural sector.
“We are very excited to be part of this Expo. Management ensured our participation because we have benefited greatly from previous expos, and this time we wanted to take a bigger step. As a bank, we are intentional about agriculture and improving the livelihoods of Ugandans,” Osauro said.
Uganda’s economy heavily depends on agriculture, with nearly 65 - 68% of the population engaged in the sector. Recognising this, Pearl Bank has tailored its services to meet the unique needs of farmers and players in the agricultural value chain.
He said the bank offers a wide range of financial products that cover every stage of agricultural activity, from input supply to processing and export.
According to him, among the products available are seasonal loans, which allow farmers to borrow and repay based on the agricultural calendar. This ensures that repayments are aligned with harvest cycles, reducing financial pressure on farmers.
“In addition, Pearl Bank provides asset financing for agricultural machinery, including tractors, planters, and harvesters. For those involved in transporting produce, the bank offers financing for trucks and refrigerated vehicles to ensure products move efficiently from farms to markets,” he said.
He added that the bank also gives offers for uses on value addition to agricultural products, encouraging farmers and agribusinesses to process crops locally. This not only increases profitability, but also promotes import substitution and export opportunities. He said that by financing value addition activities, Pearl Bank helps farmers move beyond raw production into higher-value markets.
Pearl Bank’s support extends to both small-scale and larger commercial farmers. The Large-Scale Commercial Farmers Scheme targets farmers operating up to 50 acres in crops such as maize, sorghum, beans, soya beans and hay for animal feed, he said. Osauro also said under this programme, the government pays interest on behalf of the farmers, making financing more affordable and accessible.
“Our repayment terms are flexible and tied to the projects we finance. For example, a maize farmer would repay the loan after the harvest. This ensures the financing aligns with the agricultural cycle,” Osauro explained.
With a strategic branch network across all major agricultural regions, including western, northern, eastern, and central Uganda, Pearl Bank ensures that support is available to farmers wherever they are. The bank’s staff are present in agricultural hubs to provide guidance and facilitate access to financing.
He noted that Pearl Bank’s commitment to agriculture has earned recognition in the industry, with accolades for its performance and contribution to the sector.
Osauro said by participating in the 10th Harvest Money Expo, the bank is reaffirming its dedication to empowering farmers and agribusinesses with sustainable, affordable financial solutions.
“Our goal is to help farmers and agribusinesses scale their operations from small-scale farms to commercial enterprises so they can grow their businesses and contribute to Uganda’s economic growth,” Osauro added.