74 women entrepreneurs in Kwale County have graduated from Equity Bank Kenya’s comprehensive financial literacy and entrepreneurship training program. This program aimed to equip them with skills and empower them to build resilient businesses and contribute to local economic development.
The training is part of Equity’s Fanikisha program, which aims to equip women with the knowledge and skills to manage their businesses, make informed financial decisions, and unlock new business opportunities.
Graduates, who completed the Equity Group Foundation’s Financial Literacy and Entrepreneurship training, received financial skills, including:
- Budgeting
- Debt management
- Understanding banking products
- Digital literacy
About Equity Group’s Fanikisha Program
The Fanikisha program by Equity was designed to equip women with the knowledge needed to make informed financial decisions, manage their enterprises more effectively, and unlock further growth opportunities.
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It is also aimed at removing historical barriers faced by women entrepreneurs, such as limited access to finance, business networks, and market opportunities.
The Fanikisha program was launched in 2007 in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and has since trained over 2.5 million women across Kenya and disbursed over Ksh 565 billion to support women-led enterprises.
During the graduation ceremony, Kwale County Governor Fatuma Achani lauded Equity Bank’s commitment to empowering women in the county.
“The support goes beyond just financing; it empowers women with business and investment mentorship. This is key to sustaining families and creating employment in Kwale,” said Governor Achani.
On his part, Equity Bank Kenya Managing Director Moses Nyabanda emphasized the importance of financial education for entrepreneurs.
“Fanikisha is not just about lending, it’s about offering a structured, tiered pathway that provides women entrepreneurs with the tools to succeed, including mentorship, financial literacy, and business management training,” said Nyabanda.
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Equity’s Plan to Support Its Customers
Equity Bank aims to support 100 million customers by 2030.
The focus remains on empowering women-led businesses across the continent to not only survive but thrive in an increasingly competitive economic landscape.
“Equity Bank’s Africa Recovery and Resilience Plan aims to support 100 million customers by 2030,” read the statement.
The new Fanikisha graduates are expected to use their newly acquired skills to overcome common challenges, as seen in success stories from other Fanikisha beneficiaries. Susana Musomba, a free-range chicken trader, and Beth Wanjiku, a school uniform distributor, have both previously attested to the program’s positive impact in overcoming hurdles such as limited access to affordable credit and working capital.
Speaking during the ceremony, Silpah Owich, the Head of Women and Youth Banking at Equity Bank Kenya, also highlighted the program’s commitment to supporting women in the county.
“Fanikisha is a comprehensive platform, and it offers more than just access to capital. It’s a gateway to business training, mentorship, and a supportive community that helps women succeed,” said Owich.
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