The International Trade Centre (ITC) and Absa Bank Kenya have launched the Access to Finance Accelerator programme under the SheTrades Commonwealth+ Programme. Funded by the United Kingdom (UK) International Development, this six-week intensive training aims to improve access to finance for women in export businesses. Absa Bank Kenya, as the host institution of the SheTrades Kenya Hub, is spearheading this initiative in collaboration with partners such as the African Guarantee Fund (AGF) and the DHL GoTrade Initiative.
Equipping Women Entrepreneurs with Key Financial Skills
The programme is designed to equip participants with the skills needed to develop bank-ready business plans and effectively manage business risks. The training covers essential topics such as commercial banking, SME financing, and alternative funding options, providing participants with a comprehensive understanding of financial literacy and business financing preparedness.
Participants will engage in practical exercises, including pitching sessions, networking opportunities, and exposure to successful business case studies. Additionally, the programme emphasises the importance of trade logistics and e-commerce as drivers of international business growth. To ensure lasting impact, the programme offers customised financial solutions, expert mentorship, and strategic partnerships to position women-led businesses for global competitiveness.
Bridging the Gap for Women in Business
Elizabeth Wasunna, Business Banking Director at Absa Bank Kenya, highlighted the programme’s role in addressing the challenges women face in accessing finance and markets.
“At Absa, we are deeply committed to supporting women in business. We acknowledge the challenges and barriers they face in accessing finance and markets necessary to expand their businesses across the globe. As the SheTrades Kenya Hub host institution, we are proud to be at the forefront of initiatives that bridge the gap between women-led businesses and international markets. This initiative complements our four-pronged approach to providing access to markets, information, mentorship and coaching, and sustainable finance,” said Ms. Wasunna.
Phyllis Mwangi, Senior Advisor for SheTrades Hubs in Eastern and Southern Africa, underscored the programme’s significance in closing the access-to-finance gap.
“This is a pivotal moment for women entrepreneurs in Kenya, as we celebrate the launch of the Access to Finance Accelerator initiative designed to bridge the gap between women entrepreneurs and the critical resources they need to grow and thrive. The programme reflects a shared vision in which women have equal opportunities to succeed in business and have access to the tools they need to scale,” said Ms. Mwangi.
Supporting Women Exporters on a Global Stage
Rebecca Schneider, the British High Commission Agriculture, Food and Drink Attaché for Africa, stressed the importance of supporting women exporters to scale up operations, access new markets, and compete internationally. She also noted the programme’s alignment with opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement.
“Women entrepreneurs are important to the future of Kenya as they are critical to creating employment opportunities, poverty reduction and economic growth, especially in the agricultural sector, where women make up the bulk of the workforce. It is therefore important to support women to reduce these barriers and export their products to the United Kingdom, the African continent, and the rest of the world,” she said.
Target Sectors and Goals
Over the next two years, the Access to Finance Accelerator programme will target women exporters operating in sectors such as manufacturing (including textiles and apparel), handicrafts, hospitality, agribusiness, agri-processing, and services. By providing tailored financial solutions and fostering international trade opportunities, the initiative aims to enable women entrepreneurs to thrive in a competitive global market.
