Equity, AGF Seal $500M Deal to Power MSMEsEquity, AGF Seal $500M Deal to Power MSMEs
Equity, AGF Seal $500M Deal to Power MSMEs
New partnership to unlock $1B in loans across East and Central Africa
Equity Group and the African Guarantee Fund (AGF) have expanded their MSME lending partnership.
The new USD 500 million deal will help unlock USD 1 billion in loans.
It targets Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across five African countries.
The agreement aims to create or sustain more than 50,000 jobs.
Women-led, youth-owned, and green enterprises are a key focus of this initiative.
Since 2018, the partnership has unlocked USD 160 million in loans.
It has supported nearly 2,000 MSMEs, including 500 women-led and 900 youth-led businesses.
The USD 500 million facility is the largest in AGF’s history.
It will roll out in three phases, starting with USD 115 million already committed.
The funding will go to businesses in Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, and the DRC.
Equity, AGF Seal $500M Deal to Power MSMEsEquity, AGF Seal $500M Deal to Power MSMEs
Driving Inclusion, Growth, and Sustainability
Dr. James Mwangi, Equity CEO, called MSMEs the backbone of Africa’s economy.
He said the deal supports Equity’s Africa Recovery and Resilience Plan.
AGF CEO Jules Ngankam said the goal is to grow enterprises and create jobs.
The partnership also backs women through AfDB’s AFAWA Guarantee for Growth program.
It aims to unlock USD 3 billion for women entrepreneurs across the continent.
AGF and Equity also support green and blue economy projects.
This includes coastal and freshwater livelihood initiatives.
AGF will train Equity staff on gender-smart investing under its capacity development program.
The partnership aligns with the SDGs and Africa’s Agenda 2063.
Equity and AGF are committed to inclusive, sustainable growth in Africa.
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Looking Ahead
As they deepen their partnership, both institutions aim to strengthen the resilience of MSMEs.
By empowering local entrepreneurs, they are helping build stronger, self-sustaining economies across Africa.
