This archive report was first published on 3 October 2019.
On October 3, 2019, Equity Bank (Kenya) Ltd joined the SME Finance Forum, a global membership network that brings together financial institutions, technology companies, and development finance institutions to share knowledge, spur innovation, and promote the growth of small and medium businesses.
According to Matthew Gamser, CEO of the Forum, over 200 million businesses worldwide need financing to invest, grow, and create new jobs.
Equity Bank, with subsidiaries in Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan, Rwanda, Tanzania, and DRC, has expanded its presence in Africa, with plans to enter Zambia and Mozambique through a preliminary agreement with Atlas Mara.
Equity Bank's commitment to empowering its clients is reflected in its vision to be the champion of the socio-economic prosperity of the people of Africa, as stated by Mary Wamae, Executive Director of Equity Group.
The SME Finance Forum was established by the G20 Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion (GPFI) in 2012 as a knowledge center for data, research, and best practice in promoting SME finance.
As an implementing partner for the GPFI, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) manages the initiative, which now has over 150 members working to expand access to finance for small and medium businesses.