NCBA Bank has strengthened its commitment to gender-inclusive growth by partnering with the African Guarantee Fund under the Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa (AFAWA) initiative, led by the African Development Bank Group.
Through the NCBA–AFAWA WSMEs Acceleration Programme, the bank is providing targeted financial and non-financial support to women-led small and medium enterprises (WSMEs) operating across the agricultural value chain.
The programme combines blended credit facilities and partial credit guarantees with tailored mentorship, business advisory services, and market access facilitation.
Programme Achievements and Ambition
In its first year of implementation, the programme has already supported 80 women-led agri-food SMEs and facilitated over KES 747 million in loans.
NCBA has set an ambitious target to unlock USD 5 million in financing and support the creation of more than 300 jobs through this initiative over the coming years.
The partnership specifically addresses critical barriers faced by women entrepreneurs, including limited access to affordable finance, structured markets, and technical support.
By intentionally de-risking women-owned businesses, the programme demonstrates that, with the right ecosystem of support, these enterprises represent high-potential opportunities rather than high-risk segments.
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Strategic Alignment and Broader Impact
This initiative aligns closely with NCBA’s broader strategy of embedding inclusion into its core business operations.
The bank has committed to directing at least 30% of its procurement spend toward women- and youth-owned enterprises, reinforcing its conviction that investing in women is not charity but sound economics with significant multiplier effects across households, communities, and supply chains.
Agriculture remains a cornerstone of Kenya’s economy, contributing substantially to GDP, employment, and export earnings.
By empowering the women who form the backbone of the agri-food sector, NCBA is helping to enhance productivity, resilience, and food security while driving inclusive economic growth.
Looking Ahead
NCBA Bank’s partnership with the African Guarantee Fund under the AFAWA initiative represents a targeted and impactful approach to supporting women-led SMEs in Kenya’s agri-food value chain.
By combining blended finance, guarantees, mentorship, and market access, the programme addresses structural barriers and unlocks the potential of women entrepreneurs.
NCBA Bank Kenya Overview
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