Equity Group Managing Director and CEO, Dr. James Mwangi
Equity Bank Kenya and Equity Group Foundation (EGF) have announced a new partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to roll out the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women online course, an initiative designed to boost entrepreneurship and financial inclusion in Kenya.
Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women is a global initiative that has already reached more than 200,000 entrepreneurs worldwide, equipping them with practical business education and mentorship opportunities.
“The program aims to give women business owners access to global-standard education, practical tools, and a community of like-minded entrepreneurs, setting them on a path to sustainable growth,” Equity stated.
Developed by Goldman Sachs and delivered through the University of Leeds, the online program is open to Equity Bank Kenya and Equity Group Foundation SMEs, granting access to ten comprehensive business courses and eligibility to join the global 10,000 Women alumni community.
Expanding the legacy of women’s empowerment
Equity has for years positioned itself at the forefront of promoting women entrepreneurship through initiatives such as the Fanikisha program, launched in 2007.
The program has provided financial literacy, capacity building, and access to financial services for women-owned businesses across the country.
“This new partnership is built on that legacy, offering additional value by connecting women entrepreneurs in Kenya to a global network of expertise,” Equity explained.
Equity further explained that the bank will leverage its extensive Fanikisha ecosystem, reaching out to women within the Shaba, Almasi, Dhahabu, and Platini categories, customers who are already engaged in business and eager to sharpen their entrepreneurial knowledge.
The program will run over 20 weeks, with Equity playing an active role in mobilizing, enrolling, and supporting participants.
“These learning opportunities will allow women to further strengthen their business management skills and connect with a global community of entrepreneurs,” Equity stated.
“We believe that by giving women the tools, networks, and knowledge they need, they will become more bankable, resilient, and successful in driving sustainable businesses.”
In addition to capacity building, the initiative directly addresses the financial challenges women-owned businesses face in Kenya.
Studies have shown that women-owned micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) struggle to access affordable financing, with unmet demand for credit estimated at 83 per cent.
The program is therefore expected to create stronger, more creditworthy enterprises capable of attracting both local and international funding.
Pamoja Banking and grassroots impact
The new initiative also ties into Equity’s broader financial inclusion model, which goes beyond traditional banking.
Through Pamoja Banking, Equity supports individuals organized in groups, providing them with access to credit, training, and continuous mentorship.
The approach has created thriving grassroots-level entrepreneurship, contributing to community transformation across the country.
Equity emphasized that this holistic model of financial empowerment would be strengthened by the new partnership.
“The 10,000 Women program is an extension of our mission to empower communities from the ground up. By combining structured training with access to finance and mentorship, we can help entrepreneurs not only to start but to scale their businesses successfully,” Equity noted.
By empowering women entrepreneurs with resources and networks, the program aims to trigger a ripple effect of economic impact.
Women who succeed in business are more likely to reinvest in their families and communities, contributing to improved education, healthcare, and overall quality of life.
Driving inclusive growth
Equity highlighted that the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women program aligns closely with its commitment to inclusive growth and sustainable development.
With small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) contributing significantly to Kenya’s employment and GDP, the bank views empowering women entrepreneurs as a strategic investment in the country’s future.
“Our mission has always been to transform lives and livelihoods,” Equity explained.
“This partnership with IFC allows us to broaden the scope of our impact by integrating world-class training with our existing financial inclusion programs.
It represents a chance to unlock untapped potential within the women SME sector, creating jobs, stimulating innovation, and driving inclusive economic growth.”
Equity added that the initiative would use the bank’s regional and digital infrastructure to reach entrepreneurs in both urban and rural areas.
“We want every woman entrepreneur, regardless of where they are located, to access the same opportunities as those in global business hubs. Through our physical presence and digital platforms, we can bridge the gap between global expertise and local needs.”
Building global networks
One of the strongest appeals of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women program is its alumni community, which connects entrepreneurs from different countries and industries.
For Kenyan women, this network offers not only knowledge exchange but also potential cross-border business opportunities.
“Being part of the global alumni community will give our women entrepreneurs exposure and linkages beyond Kenya,” Equity pointed out.
“This will create room for collaboration, innovation, and even international trade partnerships. The ability to learn from peers in different markets is a powerful resource for long-term growth.”
Equity also emphasized that supporting women entrepreneurs is a vital driver of economic diversification.
By giving women the knowledge to expand into new sectors and industries, the program will contribute to a more resilient economy.
“We see women as key agents of change in the transformation of Africa’s business landscape,” Equity concluded.
About IFC
IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets.
In fiscal year 2024, IFC committed a record $56 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries.
The organization works in more than 100 countries, leveraging capital, expertise and influence to create markets and opportunities that support economic development and reduce poverty.
About Equity
Established in 1984, Equity Bank Kenya has grown to become one of the country’s largest commercial banks, serving more than 15 million customers.
It is a subsidiary of Equity Group Holdings Plc, a pan-African financial services company with banking operations in Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and a representative office in Ethiopia.
The bank provides a wide range of services in retail, business, corporate, diaspora, and digital banking, with a strong focus on financial inclusion and economic empowerment.
Complementing this mission is Equity Group Foundation (EGF), founded in 2008 as the corporate impact implementing foundation of the Group.
With a vision to transform the lives and livelihoods of 100 million people in Africa by 2030, EGF drives innovative programs in education, agriculture, health, enterprise development, financial inclusion, energy, climate change, and social protection.
