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Uganda’s Agent Banking Company (ABC), a technology-driven financial services provider, has received an undisclosed investment from Netherlands-based Goodwell Investments.

This marks Goodwell’s entry into Uganda’s financial inclusion sector through its €150 million uMunthu II Fund.

The investment will allow ABC to scale its operations, expand its client base, increase agent coverage, and deploy new financial services.

Goodwell, which operates in Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, and the Netherlands, focuses on early growth-stage companies in financial services, agriculture, mobility, and logistics. The uMunthu II fund builds on its predecessor, uMunthu I, which invested in 20 companies.

Founded in 2017 and licensed by the Bank of Uganda as a Payment Systems Operator, ABC serves 18 financial institutions and five payment service providers with over 15,000 bank agents nationwide. The company aims to enhance access to financial services, particularly in underserved communities, through its digital platforms.

Richard Jabel, CEO of ABC, noted that agent banking has led to a significant increase in access to formal financial services. He emphasized that Goodwell’s investment will support the company’s next phase of growth, particularly in offering financial services through mobile phones, agents, and merchants.

ABC’s expansion comes at a time when Uganda’s payment sector is seeing notable developments. For example, in August 2024, Flutterwave secured a Payment Systems Operator license from the Bank of Uganda, enabling it to provide payment solutions such as single and bulk payouts.

Similarly, eTranzact and NALA received licenses earlier this year to offer digital payment platforms and money transfer services, respectively, further enhancing the financial landscape in Uganda.

As more global fintech players enter Uganda, ABC’s partnership with Goodwell positions it to remain at the forefront of the country’s financial services industry, driving inclusion and innovation.