Equity Launches Women Entrepreneurship Training in Partnership with IFC and Goldman Sachs

Equity Bank Kenya and Equity Group Foundation (EGF) have entered into a new strategic partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to roll out the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women online course, aimed at equipping Kenyan women entrepreneurs with world-class business skills and knowledge.

The 10,000 Women initiative, developed by Goldman Sachs and delivered through the University of Leeds, is a globally recognised entrepreneurship program designed to foster economic growth by providing practical business education to women around the world. To date, it has reached over 200,000 entrepreneurs.

Through this partnership, all Equity Bank Kenya and Equity Group Foundation SME clients will now have access to the full suite of ten online courses and will be eligible to join the global 10,000 Women alumni network.

The program combines interactive learning, mentorship, and instruction from top business educators, empowering women with the tools to scale and sustain successful enterprises.

Building on its long-standing commitment to women’s economic empowerment, Equity Group will implement the program under its Fanikisha platform, launched in 200,7, which has supported thousands of women through financial literacy and business training. The 20-week course will be rolled out across the bank’s existing Fanikisha network, targeting Shaba, Almasi, Dhahabu, and Platini customer segments—women already active in the Fanikisha ecosystem and eager to grow their entrepreneurial capacity.

Equity Group’s financial inclusion efforts are further supported through Pamoja Banking, its group lending model that offers access to credit, financial education, and peer-based support to community-based groups. Both Fanikisha and Pamoja Banking reflect the Group’s mission of transforming lives and livelihoods through inclusive, sustainable financial solutions.

Speaking on the new partnership, Dr. James Mwangi, Managing Director and CEO of Equity Group Holdings, said “Equity Bank is deeply committed to empowering women in business 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. This program will leverage our extensive branch network and digital platforms to reach women entrepreneurs in every corner of the country.”

IFC’s Jesman Chonzi, Manager of the Financial Institutions Group for East Africa, underscored the development potential of the initiative: “Empowering women entrepreneurs is central to our mission of fostering inclusive growth. The 10,000 Women program equips women with the tools they need to excel, supporting job creation, economic diversification, and long-term prosperity. We’re proud to partner with Equity Bank and EGF to make this a reality in Kenya.”

The program comes at a critical time for Kenya’s women-owned micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), which face significant barriers in accessing finance. According to IFC, the unmet demand for finance among women-led businesses stands at approximately 83%. By strengthening business skills and improving bankability, the initiative aims to bridge this gap and accelerate the contribution of women-led SMEs to Kenya’s economy.

SMEs remain a vital engine of growth, contributing significantly to employment and GDP. Through this new collaboration, Equity Bank and IFC are reaffirming their commitment to unlocking the full potential of women entrepreneurs across the country and beyond.

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