NAIROBI, Kenya, 21 July 2025 – Equity Bank Kenya and Equity Group Foundation (EGF) are pleased to announce that we have signed a new partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to roll out the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women online course to promote entrepreneurship.
Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women is a global initiative that helps foster economic growth by providing entrepreneurs around the world with practical education, interactive activities, and instruction by educators from top business schools reaching over 200,000 entrepreneurs.
Built by Goldman Sachs and delivered through the University of Leeds, 10,000 Women Online education program is open to all Equity Bank Kenya and Equity Group Foundation SMEs, granting access to all ten courses and eligibility to join the 10,000 Women alumni community.
Building on a legacy of empowering women entrepreneurs, Equity Group, through its Fanikisha program launched in 2007, has long been committed to providing financial literacy and business skills training. This commitment continues as Equity Group plays a key role in actively mobilizing, enrolling, and supporting women entrepreneurs throughout a 20-week program. Equity Bank Kenya will leverage its existing Fanikisha network, extending invitations to its Shaba, Almasi, Dhahabu, and Platini customers – women already engaged in the Fanikisha ecosystem and eager to further develop their business acumen. This initiative aligns with the core Fanikisha promise of equipping women with the financial knowledge and business skills necessary for sustainable growth and success.
Equity Group's dedication to financial inclusion extends beyond traditional banking, finding innovative expression in its Pamoja Banking group lending approach. Through Pamoja Banking, Equity Group provides access to credit, financial literacy training, and ongoing support, fostering a culture of entrepreneurship and economic empowerment within communities. By empowering individuals organised in groups at the grassroots level, Pamoja Banking is a key driver of Equity Group's mission to transform lives and livelihoods across Africa.
Commenting on the partnership, Equity Group MD and CEO Dr. James Mwangi said "Equity Bank is deeply committed to empowering women in business to achieve their business 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 This program will leverage our extensive regional network and digital platforms to reach women entrepreneurs in every corner of the country, providing them with the opportunity to gain valuable skills and access a global network of like-minded businesswomen."
"Empowering women entrepreneurs is central to our mission of fostering inclusive growth and sustainable development. IFC is committed to unlocking the potential of women entrepreneurs in Kenya, who are vital to driving economic growth and creating jobs. 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. We are honored to collaborate with Equity Bank Kenya and Equity Group Foundation to make this vision a reality," said Jesman Chonzi, Manager, Financial Institutions Group - East Africa, IFC.
The 10,000 Women Program addresses a critical need in Kenya, where women-owned MSMEs face significant challenges in accessing finance. With unmet demand for finance as high as 83%, this program aims to equip women entrepreneurs with the skills and knowledge they need to become more bankable and contribute to the country's economic prosperity. SMEs are a key engine of growth in Kenya, accounting for a significant portion of employment and GDP. By empowering women entrepreneurs, this program will contribute to job creation, economic diversification, and inclusive growth.
About IFC
IFC — a member of the World Bank Group — is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. We work in more than 100 countries, using our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities in developing countries. In fiscal year 2024, IFC committed a record $56 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging private sector solutions and mobilizing private capital to create a world free of poverty on a livable planet. For more information, visit www.ifc.org Stay Connected with IFC on Social Media
About Goldman Sachs Foundation
Founded in 1999, the Goldman Sachs Foundation is a global philanthropic organization focused on driving local economic growth and opportunity through investing in entrepreneurship globally.
About Equity Group Foundation
Equity Group Foundation (EGF), the corporate impact implementing foundation of Equity Group Holdings Plc, has as its mission to champion the transformation of lives and livelihoods for 100 million people in Africa by 2030 through the design and implementation of innovative programs that leverage Equity Group’s infrastructure and partnerships to create shared value and prosperity.
Established in 2008 as the Group’s social engine, the Foundation delivers economic opportunities, capacity, tools, and technologies that enable individuals and businesses to increase productivity, become more resilient and share in socio-economic growth. EGF responds to the continuum of issues that challenge the socio-economic advancement of the people of Africa, especially low-income individuals and families. EGF’s Creating Shared Value [CSV] strategy provides social development initiatives in Education and Leadership Development, Food and Agriculture, Health, Financial Inclusion and Enterprise Development, Energy, Environment and Climate Change, Social Protections for the most vulnerable citizens and Innovation and Technology to solve some of Africa’s most challenging issues and support talented young people with ideas to thrive.
EGF’s programs are underpinned by technology, innovation, and synergy as a central means to launch, nurture, and scale up Africa’s next generation of successful leaders and entrepreneurs delivered to all communities in which Equity has operations. For more information, visit: https://equitygroupfoundation.com/
About Equity Bank Kenya
Equity Bank Kenya was founded in October 1984 and is one of the largest commercial banks in Kenya, serving over 15 million customers. It is a subsidiary of Equity Group Holdings Plc, a pan African financial services holding company with other banking subsidiaries in Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo and a representative office in Ethiopia. Equity Bank Kenya offers a wide range of financial services, including retail banking, business banking, corporate banking, diaspora banking, and digital banking solutions.
The bank is deeply committed to financial inclusion, particularly its focus on serving businesses, women, SMEs and individuals. Through a business model that is anchored on access, affordability, convenience, and flexibility, the Bank has evolved to become an all-inclusive financial services provider with a growing pan-African presence.
Further, Equity Bank Kenya has been recognized for its innovative banking solutions, its strong corporate social responsibility initiatives, and its contribution to economic development in Kenya.
Equity Bank Kenya is regulated by the Central Bank of Kenya. For more information, visit https://equitygroupholdings.com/ke/
Dr James Mwangi at a past event. Equity Bank Kenya and Equity Group Foundation (EGF) have partnered with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to roll out the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women online course to promote entrepreneurship. Built by Goldman Sachs and delivered through the University of Leeds, 10,000 Women Online education program is open to all Equity Bank Kenya and Equity Group Foundation SMEs, granting access to all ten courses and eligibility to join the 10,000 Women alumni community.
