Absa Bank Kenya and Unilever sign KSh 4bn for SMEs finance

Absa Bank Kenya and Unilever Kenya have signed an agreement for a KES 4 billion financing programme designed to address access to working capital, one of the most significant constraints facing distributors and retailers. The initiative is expected to strengthen Kenya’s consumer goods value chain while accelerating the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the country.

The programme targets over 38 Unilever distributors nationwide, as well as retailers and stockists within their value chains. In its initial phase, the partners aim to onboard more than 10 distributors by the end of the year.

Designed to enhance Unilever Kenya’s distribution network, the facility offers fast, flexible, and reliable financing solutions to help businesses meet their working capital needs, improve stock availability, and scale their operations. This commitment, subject to annual review, will be delivered through Absa’s Wezesha Stock Loan financing solution.

Speaking during the partnership announcement, Absa Bank Kenya’s Interim Managing Director and CEO, Yusuf Omari, underscored the bank’s commitment to supporting enterprises that play a pivotal role in driving Kenya’s economy.

Absa  Bank Kenya journey with  SMEs

“For decades, Absa has walked alongside businesses within Kenya’s stock distribution ecosystem, and we deeply value Unilever Kenya as a long-standing corporate partner in that journey. This next phase of our partnership allows us to expand our collective impact across the value chain by ensuring that distributors and retailers have reliable and timely access to the financing they need to grow. Through Wezesha Stock, we are removing long-standing barriers to capital, enabling businesses to unlock new opportunities and strengthening the entire ecosystem,” said Omari.

Wezesha Stock is a digital financing platform that enables distributors and retailers to access working capital and stock finance efficiently. Under the programme, businesses can access unsecured loans of up to KES 10 million, including LPO financing, invoice discounting, and asset finance options. Of this, up to KES 5 million can be disbursed within 48 hours through a fully digitised process.

Unilever Kenya Managing Director, Luck Ochieng noted that the partnership is a strategic step towards strengthening the company’s supply chain while empowering its distribution partners. “Our distributors, who serve over 140,000 retailers, are at the heart of our business and play a critical role in ensuring our products reach consumers across the country. This partnership with Absa bank provides them with access to flexible and timely financing, enabling them to grow sustainably, improve product availability, and better serve their customers. It also reinforces our commitment to building a resilient and inclusive supply chain locally.”

This initiative supports the growth of SMEs that form the backbone of Kenya’s consumer goods sector, contributing to job creation, business resilience, and broader economic activity. It also builds on a longstanding banking relationship between Absa and Unilever that dates back to 1980, reflecting a shared commitment to driving sustainable growth and strengthening value chains across Kenya.

Absa Bank Kenya Plc is listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange and is one of Kenya’s leading financial institutions. The Bank has been a major player in Kenya’s financial landscape, engaged in personal and institutional banking, bancassurance and asset management.

The Bank’s regional and global footprint enables it to offer end-to-end financial solutions to retail and institutional clients.

Unilever is one of the world’s leading suppliers of Beauty & Wellbeing, Personal Care, Home Care and Foods with sales in over 190 countries and products used by 3.4 billion people daily.