Access Bank Kenya and National Bank of Kenya Launch W Initiative to Boost Financing for Women Entrepreneurs
Access Bank Kenya and the National Bank of Kenya (NBK), both subsidiaries of Access Bank PLC, have launched the W Initiative, a comprehensive programme aimed at expanding financing and business growth opportunities for women-led and women-supported enterprises across the country.
The initiative, unveiled on Thursday, seeks to unlock greater financial inclusion, deepen gender-lens financing, and accelerate the success of women entrepreneurs. It is backed by Access Bank’s extensive pan-African footprint, which has already channelled $141 million to women beneficiaries across its network.
In Kenya, the W Initiative brings together NBK’s existing women-focused programmes — NIA (for conventional banking) and Almasi Lady (a Shariah-compliant solution) — into one unified ecosystem. The consolidated platform is designed to offer holistic support through both financial and non-financial services.
Speaking during the launch, Barbara Barungi, Chair of the Boards of Access Bank Kenya and National Bank of Kenya, said the initiative reflects the bank’s long-term commitment to empowering women as key drivers of economic transformation.
“The W Initiative is not just another product — it is a comprehensive ecosystem intentionally built around the realities, ambitions, and economic potential of Kenyan women. When women rise, communities rise, and tonight marks the beginning of many powerful stories yet to be written,” she said.
The W portfolio features tailored financial products, including W Cards, W Insurance, and W Loans or trade finance facilities. These offerings are complemented by strategic partnerships aimed at de-risking SMEs led by women. Beyond financing, the initiative delivers capacity-building programmes, exposure visits, market linkages, mentorship, and networking opportunities.
NBK Managing Director George Odhiambo emphasized the critical role of women entrepreneurs in Kenya’s economic landscape, noting that targeted investment is essential for unlocking their full potential.
“Women entrepreneurs are a vital force within Kenya’s economy. By jointly deploying this proposition, we are signaling our commitment to dismantling barriers and equipping women with tools that translate ambition into measurable growth,” he said.
Despite substantial growth in women-led enterprises across Africa, financing gaps remain wide. In Kenya, only 7 percent of women-owned MSMEs can access formal credit, while women-led businesses receive just 36 percent of total MSME lending — despite accounting for a large share of the sector.
The W Initiative aims to bridge these gaps by addressing structural barriers that hinder women’s ability to scale their ventures. Its rollout in Kenya builds on Access Bank’s proven model across the continent, offering a holistic platform tailored to women at every stage of entrepreneurship.
The banks say the programme is expected to significantly enhance the contribution of women-led businesses to Kenya’s economic growth by enabling them to grow, compete, and thrive in an increasingly dynamic environment.