dfcu Bank has partnered with Sawa Energy to expand access to affordable and reliable clean energy for Ugandan businesses, targeting the high cost of power, grid instability and dependence on diesel generators.
Under the partnership, dubbed dfcu Go Green – Powered by Sawa Energy, qualifying small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and corporate clients will have access to fully financed, on-site solar photovoltaic and battery energy systems without making upfront capital investments.
The systems will be developed, financed, built, owned, operated and maintained by Sawa Energy, allowing participating businesses to pay for energy consumption or use fixed lease arrangements over periods ranging from 10 to 25 years.
The initiative is aimed at enabling businesses to redirect capital that would otherwise be spent on energy infrastructure towards core operations, expansion and other growth priorities.
Margaret Karume, dfcu Bank Executive Director and Chief Credit Officer, said the partnership represents a shift in how the bank approaches financing business needs.
“Good credit is not simply about saying yes or no. It is about structuring solutions that work for customers and remain sustainable over the long term,” she said.
Karume said energy costs remain a significant burden for businesses, particularly manufacturers, while the capital required to install energy infrastructure can put pressure on cash flows.
“This partnership removes that burden and allows businesses to redirect capital to the areas that drive growth, competitiveness and job creation,” she said.
Kate Kiiza, dfcu Bank Executive Director and Chief Corporate and Institutional Banking Officer, said the initiative responds to concerns the bank has repeatedly heard from its clients, particularly those involved in manufacturing and production.
“For many businesses, energy is not just a utility expense; it is a strategic business cost that directly impacts profitability and competitiveness,” Kiiza said.
She added: “We have consistently heard from our clients, particularly in manufacturing and production, about the need to reduce energy costs and improve operational efficiency.”
The partnership, she said, would allow businesses to address both challenges while pursuing their sustainability goals.
The systems offered under the programme may include grid-tied solar, hybrid solar-plus-storage and off-grid systems, depending on the energy requirements and operating profiles of individual businesses.
Sawa Energy will provide end-to-end project management, including real-time monitoring as well as long-term operation and maintenance.
Businesses will also be able to access data on energy generation and estimated avoided emissions, which can support sustainability reporting. Projected savings and environmental benefits will be determined for each site based on factors including consumption patterns and the existing energy mix.
Under the partnership model, dfcu Bank will identify businesses that could benefit from the energy solution and participate in qualifying potential projects.
After project-specific assessment and approval, Sawa Energy will take responsibility for designing, financing, constructing, owning, operating, maintaining and monitoring the energy system under an agreement with the client.
Samuel Kaufman, CEO and co-founder of Sawa Energy, said the partnership would help address the challenge facing businesses that need reliable power but also need to preserve capital for expansion.
“Across East Africa, businesses need energy solutions that improve cost and reliability without competing with the capital required for equipment, inventory and expansion,” Kaufman said.
He said the partnership combines dfcu’s established relationships with businesses and local market reach with Sawa Energy’s financing, engineering and operational capabilities.
“Together, we can help more Ugandan businesses turn energy from a constraint into infrastructure that supports productivity and resilience,” Kaufman said.
Founded in 2021, Sawa Energy develops, finances, builds, owns and operates solar photovoltaic and energy-storage systems for commercial and industrial clients.
The company operates in Uganda, Rwanda and Zambia and has deployed more than 75 solar installations, according to the statement.
Through dfcu Go Green – Powered by Sawa Energy, the two companies intend to develop a pipeline of commercial and industrial energy projects through joint qualification and project-by-project contracting.
The companies said all projects will remain subject to applicable technical, commercial, credit and financing approvals.
dfcu SME and corporate clients interested in the programme have been encouraged to approach their dfcu Relationship Manager for an assessment of their energy requirements and potential development of a tailored proposal.
