Absa Bank Kenya has announced a strategic partnership with Women’s World Banking to support women entrepreneurs across the country. The announcement was made during a partners’ breakfast hosted in Nairobi by the global nonprofit focused on advancing financial inclusion for women.
The partnership is set to enhance Absa’s existing Women in Business (WIB) proposition by tapping into the global expertise of Women’s World Banking (WWB). The two organisations aim to roll out tailored financial and non-financial solutions to women-led enterprises in Kenya. Many of these enterprises face significant barriers in accessing finance and support.
“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 Elizabeth Wasunna – Ochwa, Absa Bank Kenya’s Director of Business Banking.
Absa has long supported women-owned businesses through its SHE initiative. This has reached over one million women entrepreneurs from launch to date. The program provides financial literacy training, access to credit, and mentoring opportunities. It recognises that closing the gender gap in entrepreneurship is important for broader economic development.
Under the newly signed MoU, Absa and WWB will partner on joint projects, each defined by its own scope of work. The first project will focus on empowering women in agribusiness. This is one of the most critical sectors that is often overlooked when it comes to financing, especially for women in rural and underserved areas.
“At Women’s World Banking, we are thrilled to partner with Absa Bank on this innovative initiative to expand women’s access to finance and capacity-building,” said Mary Ellen Iskenderian, President and CEO of Women’s World Banking. “This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to support women entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey.”
The initiative aims not just to provide access to financial tools, but also to challenge systemic barriers that prevent women from scaling their businesses. By supporting inclusive, gender-responsive banking models, Absa and WWB hope to drive long-term social and economic transformation across the country.
Also Read: Women in Tech Launches Kenya Chapter in Partnership With Absa
