Family Bank & EIB Unlocks Sh14.7B Investment Towards Women & Youth-Led Intiatives in Africa

• EIB Global and Family Bank commits Sh14.7B support to women and youth-owned businesses
• Family Bank hosted as SME value-add workshop in Nairobi
• The financial deal aims to strengthen working capital and investment for SMEs and Mid-Caps in Trade and Agriculture

To advance inclusive economic growth, European Investment Bank (EIB) Global and Family Bank are channelling Sh14.7 Billion toward financing women and youth ventures in Africa. Guillermo Bosse of EIB and Family Bank CEO Rebecca Mbithi participated in the capacity-building training.

EIB Global is extending a €50 Million credit line to Family Bank, matched by the lender, to scale access to capital for Kenyan SMEs and Mid-caps. Unveiled at the EU-Kenya business forum in Nairobi, the Funding initiative intends to enhance capital access for mid-sized and small enterprises in key economic sectors.

With a focus on inclusion, the Facility will allocate at least 50% to women-led enterprises and 30% to youth-owned ventures, reflecting Family Bank’s commitment to underserved segments. EIB Global’s support includes not just funding, but strategic guidance to help Family Bank refine its offerings and advance its commitment to gender-responsive lending. This collaboration forums part of the EU’s Broader Vision to accelerate strategic investments in priority areas across Kenya.

“We recognise that beyond access to financing and investment opportunities, small businesses, especially those led by women, also need education, information and networking opportunities with like-minded enterprises,” said Family Bank chief executive Nancy Njau. “This partnership enables us to offer that holistic support.”

Hans Stausboll of the European Commission Emphasized that the European Fund for sustainable development plus reflects Europe’s ongoing support for inclusive, sustainable growth in partner nations. The agreement is part of the EU’s Global Gateway strategy to promote trade, manufacturing, agriculture, climate action and services, which are key priorities in Kenya.  “The financing partnership we now have with Family Bank will inject much-needed capital into Kenya’s private sector to support businesses and create employment,” said EIB Vice-President Thomas Ostros.