Centenary Bank, Bees & Trees Partner to Empower Youth in Mbale Through Nature-Based Solutions

Mbale, Uganda – Centenary Bank, in partnership with Bees & Trees, has rolled out a community-based initiative aimed at improving rural livelihoods through nature-based solutions in Mbale District.

The initiative, which focuses on youth and women’s empowerment, was launched in Wokukiri Village and is centered on coffee agroforestry, climate-smart agricultural practices, and financial inclusion.

According to the partners, the project has so far delivered:

• 30 Kenyan Top Bar (KTB) beehives
• 5,000 coffee seedlings
• 3,000 tree seedlings

In addition, the intervention has been scaled up to include 80 more beehives for two youth groups in response to growing demand from the community. The training and support are designed to equip beneficiaries with practical tools for enterprise development, allowing them to earn sustainable incomes while contributing to environmental conservation.

“By equipping youth with nature-based tools for enterprise, we’re driving financial inclusion and empowering the next generation to lead in climate action and sustainable development,” Centenary Bank stated in a recent post on X (formerly Twitter).

Bees & Trees also expressed appreciation for the ongoing collaboration, acknowledging Centenary Bank’s role in scaling the project.

“We are pleased to continue our collaboration with Centenary Bank, supporting more youth with beehives, coffee and tree seedlings. Deep gratitude to Centenary Bank for the leadership in climate action and financial inclusion,” the organization posted.

The joint effort highlights a growing shift toward sustainable finance and green enterprise, with Centenary Bank positioning itself as a leader in integrating climate action into community development.