Absa Bank has joined forces with Women’s World Banking (WWB) in a strategic alliance designed to expand economic opportunities for women entrepreneurs in Kenya, with a particular focus on underserved sectors like agribusiness.
The partnership, formalised during the Women’s World Banking partners breakfast in Nairobi, will focus on strengthening Absa’s Women in Business (WIB) proposition through WWB’s global expertise in women-centred financial solutions.
By integrating local insights with global experience, the collaboration is expected to deliver tailored financial and non-financial support designed to help women-led enterprises access credit, build capacity, and grow sustainably.
Elizabeth Wasunna – Ochwa, Absa Bank Kenya’s Director of Business Banking, underscored the Bank’s commitment to inclusive banking, describing the move as a natural progression in their efforts to empower women entrepreneurs.
“This partnership creates the perfect platform that combines Absa’s local experience with the Women’s World Banking’s global expertise to empower women entrepreneurs with the tools, training and financial boost they need to grow sustainable businesses," Wasunna stated.
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"At Absa Bank, we have been investing in programs and partnerships that support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with a particular focus on women entrepreneurs. We are excited about this partnership with Women’s World Banking as we work towards reinforcing Absa’s role as a leader in inclusive finance.”
Since launching its SHE proposition, Absa Bank has already reached over one million women across the country, offering a blend of credit solutions, business training, and mentorship to help scale women-owned businesses.
The bank’s approach aligns with a growing shift in Kenya’s financial sector toward models that prioritise gender equity and sustainable development.
The newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two organisations allows for a series of collaborative projects, each governed by a distinct Statement of Work (SOW).
The first initiative will zero in on women in agribusiness—a traditionally underfinanced sector despite its critical role in the country’s economy, particularly for rural and marginalised women.
Mary Ellen Iskenderian, President and CEO of Women’s World Banking, expressed optimism about the collaboration’s potential to create lasting change.
"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. 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," Iskenderian stated.
"As we look ahead to the first project focused on empowering women in the agricultural sector, we see tremendous potential to drive long-term economic growth, resilience and prosperity for women and their communities."
The initiative is part of a broader global momentum to address systemic barriers that women face in accessing financial tools, markets, and decision-making platforms.
By channelling targeted support into sectors where women are underrepresented or underserved, the Absa-WWB alliance aims to become a catalyst for change—transforming inclusive finance from policy aspiration into tangible impact.
While Absa continues to position itself as a frontrunner in gender-responsive banking in Kenya, the partnership with Women’s World Banking deepens its footprint in sustainable enterprise development, with the promise of scaling access for thousands more women across the country.
