An Interview with Maryann Wanjiku Michuki, Chief Business Solutions and Marketing Officer at Dfcu Bank
Introduction
Since 2007, Dfcu Bank has been at the forefront of championing women’s entrepreneurship in Uganda through its Women in Business (WiB) program. This initiative has empowered over 75,000 women by offering tailored financial solutions, capacity-building programs, and networking opportunities. Aligned with the 2025 International Women’s Day theme, Accelerate Action, Dfcu Bank continues to innovate and expand its support for female entrepreneurs.
In this interview, Maryann Wanjiku Michuki, Chief Business Solutions and Marketing Officer at Dfcu Bank, discusses the bank’s ongoing commitment to empowering women through initiatives such as the GROW (Generating Growth Opportunities and Productivity for Women Enterprises) program, the Dfcu Rising Woman Initiative, and the Best Farmers Competition.
Interview
Q: Dfcu Bank has a longstanding commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs. Could you provide an overview of the Women in Business (WiB) program and its impact since its inception?
Certainly. The Women in Business (WiB) program was established in 2007 to address the unique challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in Uganda. Over the years, it has evolved into a comprehensive platform offering financial products with favorable terms, capacity-building programs, and networking opportunities. To date, the program has directly benefited over 30,000 women, enabling them to expand their businesses, improve financial literacy, and make meaningful contributions to the economy.
Q: Building on the success of the WiB program, dfcu Bank partnered with the Government of Uganda, the World Bank, the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, and the Private Sector Foundation to implement the GROW Initiative. How does GROW enhance Dfcu’s existing support for women entrepreneurs?
The GROW initiative is an extension of our commitment to women’s economic empowerment. It provides women entrepreneurs with access to affordable financing, tailored training programs, and mentorship opportunities. By addressing critical barriers such as limited access to capital and business skills, GROW aims to accelerate the growth of women-led enterprises across Uganda.
This initiative also reflects the trust placed in Dfcu Bank by key stakeholders, including the Government of Uganda, the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Private Sector Foundation Uganda, and the World Bank, to deliver impactful financial access interventions for businesswomen across the country.
Q: The Dfcu Rising Woman Initiative has played a significant role in supporting female entrepreneurs. Could you elaborate on this initiative and its achievements?
Launched in 2018 in partnership with Monitor Publications, the Dfcu Rising Woman Initiative seeks to recognize, celebrate, and promote a culture of mentorship among women in business. Over six seasons, it has provided training to thousands of women across Uganda, organized business proposal competitions, and awarded winners with cash prizes and fully funded study trips. For instance, in Season 5, the top three winners each received UGX 10 million, while the top ten winners participated in an all-expenses-paid study tour outside Uganda.
Q: How does Dfcu Bank’s involvement in the Best Farmers Competition align with its mission to support women entrepreneurs?
The Best Farmers Competition is another platform through which Dfcu Bank supports the agricultural sector, a key employer of women in Uganda. Agriculture serves as a direct source of income for many women, their families, and communities. By recognizing and rewarding excellence in farming, the competition promotes best practices and innovation. Dfcu Bank’s involvement ensures that women farmers receive the recognition and support they deserve, further empowering them to scale their agribusinesses.
Q: Looking ahead, how does Dfcu Bank plan to continue supporting female entrepreneurs beyond these initiatives?
Our commitment to women’s economic empowerment remains steadfast. We plan to expand our existing programs, introduce more innovative financial products tailored to women’s needs, and strengthen partnerships with organizations that share our vision. By continuously adapting to the evolving business landscape, we aim to provide sustainable support that fosters long-term success for female entrepreneurs.
Conclusion
Through strategic initiatives like the Women in Business program, GROW, the Rising Woman Initiative, and the Best Farmers Competition, Dfcu Bank demonstrates a strong and unwavering commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs in Uganda. By facilitating access to finance, training, mentorship, and recognition, the bank plays a crucial role in fostering an inclusive and thriving business environment for women.