Access Bank And NBK Unveil W Initiative For Women Entrepreneurs
Access Bank And NBK Unveil W Initiative For Women Entrepreneurs
Access Bank Kenya and National Bank of Kenya, both subsidiaries of Access Bank PLC, have launched the W Initiative in Kenya.
The programme aims to give women-backed businesses greater access to funding and unlock new opportunities for women entrepreneurs.
A Pan-African Initiative With Proven Impact
Powered by Access Bank’s presence across Africa, the W Initiative seeks to deepen financial inclusion and accelerate the growth of women-led enterprises. So far, the programme has already disbursed 141 million dollars to women across the Access Bank PLC network.
In Kenya, the W Initiative brings together NBK’s existing women-focused programmes NIA, a conventional banking solution, and Almasi Lady, a Shariah-compliant option.
Combining the two creates a unified ecosystem designed to support women entrepreneurs at different stages of their business journey.
This partnership also reinforces Access Bank’s commitment to gender-lens financing, inclusive economic transformation, and the expansion of women-led businesses in Kenya’s economy.
An Ecosystem Built Around Women’s Realities
Speaking at the launch, Barbara Barungi, Board Chair for both banks, highlighted that the initiative aligns with the institutions’ broader goal of inclusive prosperity.
“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. Tonight marks the beginning of many powerful stories yet to be written,” she said.
The W suite includes W Cards, W Insurance, and W Loans or Trade facilities. These offerings are backed by strategic partnerships that derisk women-owned SMEs.
The programme also delivers non-financial support such as capacity building, market linkages, exposure trips, and networking opportunities, all reinforced by a personalised customer experience.
Closing Kenya’s Financing Gap For Women Entrepreneurs
National Bank of Kenya Managing Director George Odhiambo reiterated the need to scale targeted investments for women-led businesses.
“Women entrepreneurs are a vital force within Kenya’s economy. By jointly deploying this proposition, we are showing our commitment to removing barriers and equipping women with tools that can translate ambition into measurable growth,” he said.
Despite their strong presence in the entrepreneurial landscape, women still face large financing gaps.
Across Africa, structural barriers limit access to credit. In Kenya, the challenge is even sharper: only seven percent of women-owned MSMEs can access formal credit, and women receive just 36 percent of total MSME lending.
These numbers point to an urgent need for solutions that go beyond capital. Women require holistic support systems that address the broader ecosystem barriers restricting their growth.
A Holistic Platform For Growth And Competitiveness
The W Initiative is designed to meet that need. By combining accessible financing with mentorship, business training, market connections, and community networks, the programme gives women a platform to grow and compete more effectively.
Its rollout in Kenya builds on Access Bank’s successful model across Africa. The bank has developed a holistic ecosystem tailored to the realities and ambitions of women at every stage of their entrepreneurial journey.
With the W Initiative now active in Kenya, women entrepreneurs have a stronger foundation to thrive—and a clearer pathway to scale their businesses.
