NCBA, AGF Renew Partnership to Boost SME, Women-Led Business Financing

Read Time:2 Minute, 21 Second

NCBA Bank has renewed its long-standing partnership with the African Guarantee Fund (AGF) in an aim to enhance SME financing and empower women-led businesses across Kenya.

The enhanced facility will enable NCBA to deepen its commitment to the SME segment while scaling its support for renewable energy and sustainable agriculture projects.

“This partnership with AGF will allow NCBA, to further increase its commitment to Kenya’s SME segment, to promote the development of projects in renewable energy and sustainable agriculture as well as support women led/owned businesses.” said John Gachora, Group Managing Director of NCBA.

The NCBA and AGF Partnership, which has spanned over a decade, has enabled the disbursement of nearly Sh 17 billion in loans, directly supporting 696 SMEs, with Sh 8 billion allocated under the AGF guarantee facility.

This initiative has led to the creation of over 7,200 jobs, including 2,200 for women and 4,100 for youth.

“This strategic partnership with AGF is proof of our devotion to SMEs, particularly those spearheading sustainable practices led by women. I believe that by increasing our guaranteed limit, our capacity to offer more flexible and long-term financial solutions that support SME growth will contribute to economic growth.” Gachora added.

Read: How the VISA “Citi Optimized Pay” Card Will Benefit SMEs in Kenya

As part of the renewed agreement, AGF will also provide a Capacity Development grant to NCBA to strengthen its ability to finance more SMEs, particularly women-led enterprises.

The grant will support the creation of a pipeline of credit-ready WSMEs (Women-Owned/led Small and Medium Enterprises), in line with AGF’s Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa (AFAWA) initiative.

“NCBA has been a valued partner for over 12 years. This renewal marks a milestone in our shared mission to unlock SME financing. We have achieved great impact so far and with an expanded facility, we can reach even more businesses shaping Kenya’s economic future.” noted Jules Ngankam, Group CEO of AGF.

NCBA reaffirmed its commitment to advancing women-led business financing during a recent International Women’s Day event in Kapsabet, where it celebrated the resilience and innovation of female entrepreneurs.

The Group emphasized its financial solutions, partnerships, and business education programs to support sustainable growth among women-led businesses.

Beyond financing, NCBA continues to integrate sustainability into its core operations. Through a Sh 6.5 billion green financing partnership with Proparco, the bank supports climate-smart ventures and women’s economic inclusion.

Additionally, it invests Sh 150 million annually in education, sports, and community development. The bank has also committed at least 30% of its procurement budget to women and youth, promoting inclusive economic participation.

Jefferson Wachira is a writer at Africa Digest News, specializing in banking and finance trends, and their impact on African economies.