Summary:

• Nile Breweries launches GRIT initiative, training over 400 retailers in Bunyoro and Mbarara to boost business skills and promote responsible alcohol retailing.

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Nile Breweries has launched a comprehensive training initiative called GRIT – Growing Retailers Innovatively Together, aimed at enhancing entrepreneurship, digital literacy, and financial skills among local retailers. Over 400 retailers in Bunyoro and Mbarara have already benefited from this program.

Adu Rando, Managing Director of NBL, highlighted the brewery’s commitment to training over 14,000 retailers nationwide. The initiative focuses on fostering business growth, education, and inclusivity within the retail sector.

Speaking at a training session in Hoima District, Adu emphasized the importance of supporting small- and medium-sized enterprises across their value chain. The training also focused on empowering retailers to avoid dealing in illicit brews, addressing a significant challenge in Uganda where 65% of alcohol consumed is illicit and often harmful.

Nile Breweries aims to collaborate with the Ugandan government to reduce the availability of harmful alcohol, demonstrating their dedication to community well-being and responsible business practices.

According to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics, Small and Medium Enterprises remain Uganda’s engine of growth.

The sector accounts for 90% of the business sector in Uganda and employs over 2.5 million people contributing approximately 20% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Adu noted that the retailers have received tailored business training in financial and stock management as well as coaching and mentoring programme to support the continuous development of entrepreneurs.

“Increased investment in education will lead to increased economic growth, and upskilling retailers will help them grow their business and invest in their families and communities. Ultimately, we want to drive entrepreneurial development, business growth and sustainability for our retail partners,” Adu noted.

“This is the first entrepreneurship training I have attended since opening my business. I finally understand how to track my accounts, manage my stock effectively, and maximize my profits,” noted Evelyn Alioru, a bar owner in Masindi.

“The financial training has equipped me with the skills to grow my business sustainably and make informed decisions for the future.”

The training was held in partnership with MTN MoMo.

John Ronald Isabirye the Corporate Sales Manager at MTN MoMo noted that the training is ensuring that distributors and retailers are cashless in their day to day business activities.

“Going cashless is instrumental in access to financial services by leveraging digital and mobile technologies that reach individuals and businesses,” noted Isabirye .

“This initiative reduces risk, improves record keeping, and gives visibility of business transactions.”