Yunus expands social business in Uganda
Social businesses are gathering steam in Uganda thanks to collaboration between the country's government and Yunus Social Business.
It became evident when Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus went to the African country for a four-day visit at the end of last month.
During his visit, which started on July 27, the founder of Grameen Bank was received by Uganda President Yoweri Museveni at the Presidential Palace, according to a statement from Yunus Centre.
He had an hour-long meeting with the president, who was joined by the finance and agriculture ministers, among others.
Museveni particularly took interest in a new social business software outsourcing company.
The joint venture with a European company will be rolled out next year and will create thousands of IT jobs for the unemployed youth of Uganda, particularly young women.
Yunus called on Edward Ssekandi, vice president of Uganda, at his office. The vice-president inaugurated the National Social Business Conference of Uganda.
In his speech, Ssekandi announced his government is very happy to put the seal of approval to all social business initiatives in the country and will support them in all possible ways.
Yunus Social business has started its work in Uganda through its office since 2013.
During his visit, Yunus had separate meetings with senior officials of the African Development Bank, the USAID and the United Nations High Commission for Refugees.
He signed an agreement with the UNHCR to undertake joint venture social businesses in Ugandan refugee camps.
Prior to his visit to Uganda, Yunus visited Washington and attended the 35th anniversary celebration of RESULTS International as chief guest.
On July 24, Yunus delivered a public lecture on social business and microcredit for the end of poverty at the World Bank's headquarters in Washington.
“The present civilisation that we have created is on an irresistible path of self-destruction. Before it destroys itself we have the opportunity to lay the foundation of a new civilisation which will be progressive and sustainable," he told the audience.
During his stay in Washington, he also met US Senator Dick Durbin, Senator Barbara Boxer and Congressman Joseph Crowley.
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