Access Bank Kenya and National Bank of Kenya, both subsidiaries of Access Bank PLC, have introduced the “W Initiative” in Kenya to expand funding access and business support for women entrepreneurs.
The programme aims to increase financial inclusion and accelerate the growth of women-led businesses by offering a unified ecosystem of banking and non-financial services. It leverages Access Bank’s continental footprint, through which USD 141 million has already been disbursed to women beneficiaries across Africa.
In Kenya, the W Initiative brings together NBK’s existing women-focused propositions, NIA and Almasi Lady, into one consolidated support platform.
Speaking at the launch, Barbara Barungi, Board Chair of National Bank of Kenya and Access Bank Kenya, said the initiative is designed to power women’s economic advancement. She noted that strengthening women-backed enterprises contributes directly to wider social prosperity.
The initiative provides W-branded financial products including insurance solutions, loan and trade facilities, and dedicated debit cards. It also offers capacity-building programmes, access to markets, networking opportunities, and personalised customer support.
National Bank of Kenya Managing Director, George Odhiambo, reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to SMEs, noting the significant role women play in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. He said targeted interventions remain key to breaking financing barriers.
Despite strong growth of women-led enterprises in Kenya, only an estimated seven percent of women-owned MSMEs have access to formal credit, and these businesses receive just 36 percent of overall MSME lending. The initiative aims to help address these gaps by offering both financial and structural support.
The rollout of the W Initiative in Kenya seeks to equip more women with the tools, networks and financing needed to scale sustainably and compete in wider domestic and regional markets.
