Absa Bank Kenya has forged a strategic alliance with Women’s World Banking in a move aimed at accelerating the growth of women-led small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Kenya. The partnership, unveiled during a Women’s World Banking partners breakfast in Nairobi, is designed to deepen financial inclusion and unlock economic opportunities for female entrepreneurs.
The collaboration is set to enhance Absa’s Women in Business (WIB) program by leveraging Women’s World Banking’s global experience in gender-focused financial inclusion. Through this partnership, the bank aims to roll out innovative financial and non-financial solutions that directly address the unique challenges faced by women entrepreneurs, particularly in accessing credit and building business capacity.
Absa Bank Kenya’s Director of Business Banking, Elizabeth Wasunna-Ochwa, emphasized the transformative potential of the partnership.
“This partnership creates the perfect platform that combines Absa’s local experience with Women’s World Banking’s global expertise to empower women entrepreneurs with the tools, training, and financial boost they need to grow sustainable businesses,” said Ms. Wasunna. “We are excited about this partnership as we work to reinforce Absa’s role as a leader in inclusive finance.”
Absa’s commitment to supporting women-led businesses has been evident through its SHE proposition, which has already benefited over one million female entrepreneurs in Kenya. The program provides financial support alongside mentorship, training, and other capacity-building initiatives.
Under the newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), Absa and Women’s World Banking will pursue various collaborative projects. The first Statement of Work (SOW) will focus on empowering women in agribusiness—a vital yet underfunded sector, especially among women in underserved communities.
Mary Ellen Iskenderian, President and CEO of Women’s World Banking, said the initiative is a key step towards financial equity.
“We are thrilled to partner with Absa Bank on this innovative initiative to expand women’s access to finance and capacity-building. This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to support women entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey, unlocking the market opportunities they need to grow sustainable businesses,” she said.
With financial institutions across the region increasingly adopting gender-responsive banking models, the Absa-WWB partnership aims to go beyond providing capital. It seeks to dismantle the systemic barriers that limit women’s access to financial tools and entrepreneurial support.