Strengthening access to finance for MSMEs in Kenya

ILX participated in a loan originated by IFC to one of Kenya’s largest banks and the flagship subsidiary of one of the largest banking groups in East Africa. The investment supports the bank in expanding its lending to MSMEs and marks ILX’s first investment in the country.

The borrower serves a diversified customer base across corporate, MSME and retail banking through more than 220 branches and a leading digital banking platform. The bank has a strong strategic focus on financial inclusion and MSME lending, supported by a broad distribution network, robust digital capabilities, and longstanding relationships with international development finance institutions. The financing strengthens the bank’s regulatory capital base and supports the growth of its MSME lending portfolio, with at least 25% of proceeds allocated to women-owned or women-led MSMEs, thus supporting job creation in a highly underserved sector.