Absa Bank has announced a strategic partnership with Google’s Hustle Academy to deliver comprehensive business training and financial support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Kenya over the next 12 months.
The programme is expected to reach and impact 3,000 SMEs, with three cohort sessions already completed and more than 600 entrepreneurs trained so far.
The initiative is designed to support Kenyan entrepreneurs to develop their digital skills, strengthen their financial management and create sustainable growth plans. These are the skills that they need to formalise and expand their operations in an economy that is becoming more digital.
The Google Hustle Academy is a free, one-day virtual boot camp focused on equipping small businesses with practical digital skills.
Participants go through a structured curriculum covering AI adoption, digital transformation and business growth strategies, with a strong focus on real-world application. The programme also aims to connect entrepreneurs to Google’s ecosystem of tools and platforms to support long-term scalability.
Under the partnership, Absa Bank Kenya will complement the training with financial expertise, mentorship, and tailored SME banking solutions. These include access to credit facilities, cash flow management tools, and market linkages designed to help SMEs stabilize and grow.
Speaking on the partnership, Absa Bank Kenya Business Banking Director Renato D’souza said:
“We are thrilled to partner with Google to bring the Hustle Academy to more Kenyan entrepreneurs. This partnership is a testament to our commitment to empowering businesses with the tools they need to succeed. By combining Google’s digital expertise with our financial solutions, we are confident that we can help SMEs formalise and grow their businesses.”
Google says the initiative aligns with its broader mission of making digital tools and AI knowledge accessible to businesses of all sizes, enabling them to reach new customers and scale more efficiently.
Google Hustle Academy’s Kristy Grant added:
“We believe that the future of Africa’s digital economy lies in the hands of individuals and entrepreneurs alike. Our new strategy focuses on scaling reach by training individuals in the latest AI-centered tools and techniques…”
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