Equity Group Holdings and MSC (MicroSave Consulting) have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at deepening financial inclusion and advancing gender equity within Kenya’s fisheries sector.
The partnership brings together Equity Bank Kenya, Equity Group Foundation, and MSC to address structural gaps across the fisheries value chain while positioning the blue economy as a critical driver of sustainable economic growth.
The agreement, signed in Nairobi on Monday, seeks to modernise the fisheries sector through inclusive finance, digital innovation, climate-smart technologies, and data-driven systems.
Partnership to Drive Inclusive Growth
Speaking during the signing ceremony, James Mwangi said the collaboration aligns with Equity’s long-term vision of transforming livelihoods through strategic partnerships, technology, and inclusive finance.
“This partnership brings together institutions with diverse capabilities, creating a powerful platform to drive impact at scale. The fisheries sector represents a significant but underexploited opportunity. Through this collaboration, we will not only expand financial inclusion but also advance gender equity, strengthen food systems, and support climate resilience,” said Dr. Mwangi.
He noted that the initiative will help transform fisheries and agriculture from subsistence activities into modern economic sectors capable of attracting investment, creating jobs, and supporting food security.
“We are transforming agriculture and fisheries from subsistence activities into vibrant economic sectors. By leveraging digital public infrastructure and AI, we aim to elevate these sectors from traditional, informal engagements into modern economic engines that attract capital, improve productivity, and create inclusive opportunities for women to work alongside their sons and daughters while driving food security and economic growth,” he added.
Focus on Women, Youth and Climate Resilience
The partnership will focus heavily on empowering women and youth through access to tailored financial products, entrepreneurship training, financial literacy programs, and climate-smart solutions.
Graham A.N. Wright said the collaboration comes at a time when Africa is grappling with growing food security challenges, climate risks, and economic inclusion gaps.
“With climate change and global disruptions threatening food security, I cannot think of a better powerhouse than Equity Bank and the Equity Group Foundation to address these challenges,” said Wright.
He explained that the initiative will utilise data-driven tools and digital systems to improve risk management, support informed decision-making, and create sustainable opportunities for fisheries communities.
“By linking these communities to tailored financial products and climate-smart solutions, we can address structural barriers and unlock sustainable opportunities for women and youth in the fisheries sector,” he added.
Technology and Infrastructure at the Centre
Under the partnership framework, the organisations will jointly promote financial literacy, capacity building, and deployment of modern technologies to strengthen the fisheries ecosystem.
Key interventions include:
- Development of climate-smart financial and insurance products
- Deployment of cold storage infrastructure to reduce post-harvest losses
- Creation of guarantee mechanisms to de-risk lending
- Joint training programs for fisheries stakeholders
- Expansion of market access through value-chain partnerships
The initiative will also establish graduation pathways aimed at transitioning small-scale fisheries operators into sustainable commercial enterprises.
Kenya Pilot to Expand Across Africa
Implementation of the program will begin in Kenya before being scaled to other African markets where Equity operates, subject to successful execution.
The initiative targets a broad range of stakeholders across the fisheries value chain, including fishers, aquaculture farmers, processors, traders, feed producers, and exporters.
MSC will lead research, baseline assessments, and technical capacity-building efforts, while Equity Bank will develop and deliver financial products aligned to the sector’s unique operational cycles.
Meanwhile, Equity Group Foundation will provide entrepreneurship training, mentorship, and ecosystem linkages to support long-term business sustainability.
Supporting Vision 2030 and Africa’s Development Agenda
The partnership aligns with Kenya’s Vision 2030 by promoting inclusive economic growth, modernising the fisheries sector, and advancing gender equity.
It also supports the African Union’s Agenda 2063 through sustainable resource management, integrated value chains, and climate resilience initiatives.
Additionally, the collaboration reinforces Equity Group’s broader strategy of driving private sector-led development financing across Africa through its Africa Recovery and Resilience Plan (ARRP), which focuses on productivity, digital transformation, and financial inclusion.
The partners say the initiative is expected to create sustainable economic opportunities for women, youth, and communities involved in the fisheries value chain while strengthening the blue economy as a key pillar of regional development.