Absa Bank Kenya and Unilever Kenya have unveiled a KES 4 billion financing programme aimed at easing access to working capital for distributors and retailers, in a move expected to strengthen Kenya’s consumer goods value chain and accelerate the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
The initiative will benefit more than 38 Unilever distributors across the country, as well as retailers and stockists operating within their supply chains. In the first phase, the partners plan to onboard more than 10 distributors by the end of the year.
The financing programme is designed to enhance Unilever Kenya’s distribution network by providing businesses with fast, flexible, and reliable access to capital, enabling them to improve stock availability, expand operations, and meet growing customer demand.
Absa to provide financing through the Wezesha Stock solution
The facility will be delivered through Absa Bank Kenya’s Wezesha Stock Loan financing solution, with the KES 4 billion commitment subject to annual review.
Wezesha Stock is a digital financing platform that enables distributors and retailers to access working capital and stock finance efficiently. Under the programme, businesses can obtain unsecured loans of up to KES 10 million, alongside Local Purchase Order (LPO) financing, invoice discounting, and asset finance options.
Of the total amount, eligible businesses can access up to KES 5 million within 48 hours through a fully digitised application and approval process.
Speaking during the partnership announcement, Absa Bank Kenya Interim Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Yusuf Omari said the initiative builds on the bank’s long-standing support for Kenya’s distribution ecosystem.
“For decades, Absa has walked alongside businesses within Kenya’s stock distribution ecosystem, and we deeply value Unilever Kenya as a long-standing corporate partner in that journey. This next phase of our partnership allows us to expand our collective impact across the value chain by ensuring that distributors and retailers have reliable and timely access to the financing they need to grow,” said Omari.
He added that the Wezesha Stock solution removes long-standing barriers to capital, enabling businesses to unlock new growth opportunities while strengthening the broader consumer goods ecosystem.
Unilever Kenya Managing Director Luck Ochieng described the partnership as a strategic investment in strengthening the company’s supply chain while empowering its distribution partners.
“Our distributors, who serve over 140,000 retailers, are at the heart of our business and play a critical role in ensuring our products reach consumers across the country. This partnership with Absa Bank provides them with access to flexible and timely financing, enabling them to grow sustainably, improve product availability, and better serve their customers,” said Ochieng.
He noted that the initiative reinforces Unilever’s commitment to building a resilient and inclusive local supply chain.
The programme is expected to support the growth of SMEs, which form the backbone of Kenya’s consumer goods sector, by improving access to affordable financing, increasing business resilience, and creating employment opportunities.
The partnership also builds on a banking relationship between Absa Bank Kenya and Unilever Kenya that dates back to 1980, reflecting the two organisations’ shared commitment to promoting sustainable business growth and strengthening value chains across the country.
