4G Capital has secured a $2 million strategic investment from GIF Growth, marking a significant step in expanding financial inclusion for micro and small enterprises across East Africa.
The funding, provided through GIF Growth, a growth stage vehicle of the Global Innovation Fund, will support 4G Capital’s efforts to scale its lending operations and extend services to underserved businesses operating within the region’s informal economy.
Micro and small enterprises account for more than 80 percent of employment in East Africa, yet many remain excluded from formal credit systems due to limited financial records. Since its founding in 2013, 4G Capital has sought to bridge this gap, disbursing over $800 million in loans to more than 755,000 clients in Kenya and Uganda. The company has issued 6.8 million loans to date and is on track to surpass $1 billion in total lending later this year.
The new capital will be channelled into strengthening the firm’s ‘touch tech’ model, which integrates digital lending platforms with in person support from field officers. This hybrid approach enables access to credit alongside financial literacy training and business advisory services.
Additionally, the investment will enhance the company’s digital infrastructure and partnerships, positioning it to scale efficiently while maintaining its community driven engagement model.
GIF Growth focuses on providing catalytic debt financing to high impact businesses across Africa and Asia. Its backing of 4G Capital underscores a commitment to supporting scalable solutions that address structural barriers to economic opportunity, with funding support from development finance institutions in the United States, United Kingdom and Canada, as well as corporate partners such as Unilever.
4G Capital Founder and Executive Chairman Wayne Hennessy-Barrett said the partnership would accelerate access to working capital and training, particularly for women and youth led enterprises.
The company is also exploring a potential Series D funding round to support its next phase of digital expansion.
With the new investment, 4G Capital aims to deepen its regional footprint while contributing to inclusive economic growth, with the firm estimating it has already generated over $3 billion in economic impact.