Absa Bank Kenya and the International Trade Centre (ITC) have launched a new initiative aimed at improving financial access for women entrepreneurs in export businesses. The Access to Finance Accelerator programme, a six-week course, is designed to help women entrepreneurs enhance their ability to secure financing and grow their businesses internationally.

Funded by the UK International Development program, the accelerator will provide participants with hands-on training focused on developing bank-ready business plans and learning how to manage risks more effectively. The initiative is intended to equip women entrepreneurs with the tools and knowledge they need to navigate the complexities of international trade.

Elizabeth Wasunna, Business Banking Director at Absa Bank Kenya, explained, “The programme is designed to provide entrepreneurs with tools, knowledge, and networks to navigate international trade complexities.”

Participants will gain valuable insights into financing options for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), alternative funding sources, and commercial banking. This will help boost their financial literacy and readiness for global markets. The programme also aligns with Absa’s broader goals of enhancing access to markets, providing mentorship, and promoting sustainable finance.

Rebecca Schneider, Attaché at the British High Commission, highlighted the importance of supporting women in the export sector, stressing the potential for scaling operations and tapping into opportunities such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement.

Additional partners in the initiative include the African Guarantee Fund and the DHL GoTrade Initiative. Together, they will offer mentorship, strategic partnerships, and tailored financial solutions to help women entrepreneurs succeed in global markets.