Access Bank Kenya and National Bank of Kenya (NBK), both subsidiaries of Access Bank PLC, have announced the launch of the W Initiative. It is a platform designed to provide women-backed businesses across Kenya with expanded access to finance and essential non-financial support.
The W Initiative aims to deepen financial inclusion and significantly accelerate the success of women entrepreneurs. The launch builds on the program’s proven success across the Access Bank PLC network, which has already disbursed $141 million to women entrepreneurs.
In Kenya, the W Initiative unifies NBK’s existing women-focused programs, NIA (conventional banking) and Almasi Lady (Shariah-compliant solution), into one powerful, inclusive ecosystem.
Barbara Barungi, Board Chair for National Bank of Kenya and Access Bank Kenya, highlighted the initiative’s alignment with the bank’s 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, and tonight marks the beginning of many powerful stories yet to be written,” said Ms. Barungi.
The W suite offers a tailored blend of financial and non-financial support:
- Financial Solutions: Includes specialized products such as W Cards, W Insurance, and W Loans/Trade facilities, supported by strategic partnerships designed to de-risk women-owned SMEs.
- Non-Financial Support: Provides extensive resources like capacity-building workshops, exposure trips, market linkages, and networking opportunities, all delivered with a personalized customer experience.
George Odhiambo, Managing Director of National Bank of Kenya, emphasized the strategic importance of this targeted investment.
“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,” Mr. Odhiambo stated.