Nile Breweries rolls out new program with targets to empower 14,000 Ugandan SMEs 

UGANDA – Nile Breweries has launched a retailer training programme that targets to empower over 14,0000 retailers with the necessary skills to instigate business growth. 

The programme dubbed GRIT-Growing Retailers Innovatively Together- has already seen 100 local entrepreneurs in the region benefit through acquisition of key entrepreneurship, digital, and financial skills. 

The main focus of the program will be growth, education, and inclusion, said the Brewer which is part of the AB InBev family. 

The program, according to the maker of Nile Special Lager, will mainly focus on growing SMEs that propel the country’s growth. 

The retailers will be trained on financial and stock management skills, marketing and sales skills, and responsible retailing. 

Adu Rando, the Managing Director, NBL, said, “Most of the retailers have not had formal training on business management, they learn on the go and this is the gap we are closing, we are empowering them with proper business, accounting, record keeping, cash flow skills for them to run their businesses effectively.” 

“The retailers will have access to an ongoing coaching and mentoring programme to support their continuous development. We believe that strengthening our retailers, in turn, strengthens the communities that they serve and ultimately works to grow businesses,” he added. 

According to a survey report by Nathan Associates London Ltd, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) play a vital role in the development of the Ugandan economy as they account for 90% of private sector production and employ over 2.5 million people. 

Nathan Wanzala, one of the programme beneficiaries commented, “I have learned how to manage my money in a smart way – separate business from personal money- in order for my business to survive.  

I have also learned how to manage my business, how to keep business records and operational costs for my business and how to do daily stocks.” 

MTN MoMo were the main partners during the 3-day training program.  

John Ronal Isabirye the corporate sales manager at MTN MoMo noted that the training empowered retailers with access to digital financing and payment tools to enrich their business and enable cashless payment.   

He noted that the training will empower retailers to transform their businesses by reducing risk, increasing visibility, and impacting lives and livelihoods. 

Nile Breweries remains at the forefront in equipping farmers and retailers with essential skills for growth.  

Earlier this year, the brewery trained over 1,000 barley farmers imparting essential financial literacy skills. 

The training carried out under the theme “Financial Empowerment of Farmers” saw farmers across the two Kabale and Rubanda districts undergo training in financial planning, budgeting, investment, bookkeeping, and saving and credit management skills to enable them to manage and grow their farming businesses.