The European Investment Bank’s development arm, EIB Global, has joined forces with Kenya’s Family Bank to mobilize a combined €100 million (approx. US $111 million) credit facility aimed at boosting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with a special focus on women-led and youth-owned businesses in Kenya.
EIB Global is providing a €50 million (~US $55 million) credit line to Family Bank, which will match it with an additional €50 million from its own resources. The financing will support working capital and investment needs of SMEs and mid‑caps, especially those involved in trade and agriculture sectors .
At least 50 percent of the financing is earmarked for businesses owned or managed by women.
Young Entrepreneurs: A minimum of 30 percent is designated for youth-led enterprises.
Beyond the capital infusion, EIB Global will offer technical assistance aimed at enhancing Family Bank’s gender-lens strategy and expanding product offerings tailored to women and youth through initiatives such as the 2X Challenge framework born in 2018.
Family Bank CEO Nancy Njau highlighted that SMEs make up more than 80 percent of the bank’s client base, and this partnership aligns with strategic goals under its 2025–2029 plan: expanding SME lending, deeper market segmentation, and sustainable growth across varied value chains.
By channeling resources to underrepresented entrepreneurs in trade and agriculture, the partnership aims to further empower Kenya’s vibrant SME ecosystem.
This blended finance deal showcases how development institutions and local banks can collaborate to foster inclusive economic development while leveraging private-sector capabilities.
The financing agreement was unveiled at the 2nd EU–Kenya Business Forum held in Nairobi, marking a milestone in the growing strategic financial collaboration between the EU and Kenya.
This $111 million deal between EIB Global and Family Bank is a powerful example of blending public-sector development finance and local banking muscle to uplift women and youth entrepreneurs. By combining funding with technical expertise, the partnership aims not only to improve access to finance but also to foster sustainable, inclusive growth—especially in core sectors like agriculture and trade.
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