Equity Bank, IFC, and Goldman Sachs launch a free 20-week course to train 10,000 Kenyan women in business and financial skills.
In a game-changing move to empower women entrepreneurs, Equity Bank Kenya has teamed up with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Goldman Sachs to offer free business training to 100,000 women-led enterprises across Kenya.
The three-year initiative, launched on July 22, 2025, aims to equip women with skills in business planning, bookkeeping, digital finance, and marketing while enhancing access to affordable credit through Equity Bank. It is backed by Goldman Sachs’ 10,000 Women program and implemented via the Equity Group Foundation.
“We are delivering world-class skills to women entrepreneurs across Kenya. This is not just about access to finance—it’s about transformation,” said Dr. James Mwangi, CEO of Equity Group Holdings.
Targeting women-led MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises), the programme aligns with Kenya’s Vision 2030 and the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). It also supports key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as gender equality and economic empowerment.
According to Equity Group, over KSh 60 billion was disbursed to MSMEs in 2024, with 40% going to women-owned businesses. This new training partnership builds on that momentum.
“Women entrepreneurs play a central role in Kenya’s economy, yet they face unique barriers to growth,” said Amenya Wabuke, IFC Country Manager for Kenya. “This partnership is designed to change that through training and opportunity.”
The programme provides:
- Structured learning modules in entrepreneurship and financial literacy
- Mentorship from experienced business leaders
- Digital skills to help women thrive in the modern economy
- Linkage to finance through customized Equity Bank loan products
Participants will be recruited across all 47 counties using Equity’s wide agent and branch network. The content will be tailored to local needs while drawing from international best practices developed by IFC and Goldman Sachs.
Dr. Mwangi emphasized that the programme isn’t just philanthropic—it’s a strategic investment in Kenya’s economic future.
“When women grow their businesses, they create jobs, support families, and stimulate entire communities,” he said. “This is the essence of inclusive growth.”
🌍 Why This Matters
Kenya’s economy is heavily reliant on the informal and SME sectors, with women constituting a large share of that workforce. Yet gender disparities in credit access, education, and market entry remain persistent. By removing these obstacles, the programme seeks to mainstream women in Kenya’s formal economy.
