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NCBA & Proparco: Driving Green Finance and Women’s Empowerment in Kenya
As of 2025, NCBA and Proparco continue transforming Kenya’s business landscape. Their partnership promotes sustainability, financial inclusion, and gender equality, making a significant impact on the local economy.
A Powerful Partnership
In 2024, NCBA secured a $50 million loan from Proparco. The funds are earmarked for SMEs and green financing projects in Kenya. NCBA allocates 60% of the loan to small and medium-sized businesses, particularly those led by women. The remaining 40% targets projects that combat climate change and promote environmental sustainability.
NCBA & Proparco: Driving Green Finance and Women’s Empowerment in Kenya
This partnership strengthens NCBA’s ability to expand services across Kenya. It helps businesses, especially in rural areas, access much-needed financing for growth and resilience. The focus is on creating long-term, sustainable economic growth.
Supporting Women Entrepreneurs
Women entrepreneurs are at the core of this partnership. NCBA provides access to affordable financing and tailored financial services for women-led businesses. The bank is actively helping bridge the gender gap in business leadership and entrepreneurship.
Through the Proparco partnership, NCBA is supporting women’s economic participation and ensuring they have the tools to succeed in a competitive market.
NCBA also actively participates in the 2X Challenge, a global initiative that focuses on investing in women-owned businesses. By 2025, NCBA expects to fund over 1,600 women-led micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Additionally, NCBA is committed to directing 30% of its procurement spending toward women and youth-owned businesses, ensuring they benefit from the bank’s operations.
Expanding Green Financing
Green financing is a cornerstone of the partnership, with a special focus on sectors vulnerable to climate change. NCBA directs funds to initiatives in sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, and eco-friendly manufacturing practices. These efforts not only reduce carbon emissions but also create jobs and improve environmental resilience.
NCBA’s green financing ensures that businesses invest in energy-efficient technologies and sustainable agricultural practices. By prioritizing green investments, NCBA helps build an economy that is both resilient and environmentally responsible.
NCBA & Proparco: Driving Green Finance and Women’s Empowerment in Kenya
Tangible Impact in 2025
By 2025, the partnership’s initiatives have shown early signs of success. Women-led businesses are now accessing more credit and financial services, which has spurred growth and job creation in local communities. Many businesses have adopted greener practices, improving both their environmental and financial outcomes.
The Road Ahead
The NCBA-Proparco partnership continues to align with Kenya’s Vision 2030. Both institutions are committed to fostering sustainable development, financial inclusion, and the empowerment of women entrepreneurs.
With a shared vision for a more inclusive and green economy, this partnership is poised to deliver lasting, positive change in Kenya.
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