Access Bank Kenya and National Bank of Kenya, both subsidiaries of Access Bank PLC, have launched the W Initiative, a programme designed to expand financing and business support for women-owned and women-led enterprises across the country.
The initiative, now active in Kenya, aims to unlock new funding opportunities, strengthen financial inclusion and accelerate the growth of women-backed businesses by leveraging Access Bank’s footprint across Africa.
Across the wider network, the W Initiative has already disbursed $141 million to women entrepreneurs.
In Kenya, the programme merges NBK’s previous women-focused platforms, NIA for conventional banking and Almasi Lady under Shariah-compliant banking, into one unified ecosystem tailored to women at different stages of their entrepreneurial journey.
The banks say the partnership signals a stronger commitment to gender-lens financing and the expansion of women-led enterprises within the national economy.
Speaking at the launch, Barbara Barungi, Board Chair of National Bank of Kenya and Access Bank Kenya, said the initiative reflects the intention to support women with tools that go beyond credit.
“The W Initiative is a complete ecosystem built around the real needs and ambitions of Kenyan women. When women rise, communities rise,” she said.
The programme offers a suite of financial products, including W Loans and trade facilities, W Insurance and W Cards, complemented by non-financial benefits such as business training, market linkages, exposure trips, and networking opportunities.
The banks have also partnered with institutions that help derisk lending to women-owned SMEs.
National Bank of Kenya Managing Director George Odhiambo noted that targeted investment in women entrepreneurs remains a key pillar of SME growth.
“Women entrepreneurs are a vital force in our economy. Through this joint rollout, we are signalling a strong commitment to remove long-standing barriers and provide solutions that translate ideas into measurable growth,” he said.
Despite the increasing number of women-led enterprises in Africa, access to financing remains a major challenge.
In Kenya, only 7 of women-owned MSMEs qualify for formal credit, and women receive just 36% of total MSME lending, despite forming a significant portion of the entrepreneurial sector.
The banks say the W Initiative is structured to address not just credit shortages but the broader market barriers that limit women’s business potential.
The initiative’s launch in Kenya builds on Access Bank’s established model across Africa, offering a holistic approach that combines financing, mentorship, business support and a community network to help women scale and compete.
By Andrew Kariuki
