10,000 Kenyans are set to benefit from a world-class entrepreneurship program following a new partnership between Equity Bank Kenya, Equity Group Foundation (EGF), the International Finance Corporation (IFC), and Goldman Sachs.
Through the collaboration, Kenyan women will access the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women online business course, a globally recognized initiative offering practical business education and mentorship to women entrepreneurs across the world.
Further, the program, which is built by Goldman Sachs and delivered through the University of Leeds, will be open to all SMEs under Equity Bank and EGF.
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Details of the Goldman Sachs/Equity Program
The program is a 20-week curriculum, featuring ten structured courses, that combines interactive learning with insights from global business educators.
Participants will also join a worldwide alumni network of women entrepreneurs, offering long-term learning, support, and exposure.
Equity Group’s Managing Director and CEO, Dr. James Mwangi, praised the partnership, noting it reinforces the bank’s longstanding commitment to women’s economic empowerment.
“Equity Bank is deeply committed to empowering women in business to achieve their aspirations and driving financial inclusion across Kenya.”
“Partnering with IFC for the 10,000 Women program enables us to offer world-class learning opportunities to our customers, ensuring they have the skills and knowledge to thrive in today’s competitive business environment,” Mwangi said.
Additionally, the CEO explained that the program will leverage Equity’s regional presence and digital platforms to reach women entrepreneurs across Kenya, from urban centers to remote rural areas.
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Eligible Kenyans for the Program
Women already enrolled in Equity’s Fanikisha program, including Shaba, Almasi, Dhahabu, and Platini clients, will be among the first to access the training.
Fanikisha, launched in 2007, has been a foundation in building the financial and business skills of Kenyan women.
Jesman Chonzi, IFC’s Manager of Financial Institutions Group for East Africa, said the initiative was a significant step toward reducing financial and knowledge gaps faced by women-owned businesses.
“Empowering women entrepreneurs is central to our mission of fostering inclusive growth and sustainable development.”
“The 10,000 Women program represents a valuable opportunity to equip women with the tools and knowledge they need to excel in their business ventures,” said Chonzi.
The program arrives at a critical moment. According to IFC, up to 83% of women-owned MSMEs in Kenya face unmet financing needs, despite contributing significantly to employment and GDP.
Moreover, the initiative aims to bridge this gap by making women entrepreneurs more bankable and growth-ready.
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