The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) has signed a landmark partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to support the growth and competitiveness of women-led small and medium enterprises (WSMEs) in Kenya. The partnership was formalized during the launch of the SHE GROWS Programme in Nairobi.

The agreement was signed by Dr. Erick Rutto, President of KNCCI, and Marieme Niang, Africa Regional Gender Lead at IFC. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in advancing inclusive economic growth by addressing systemic barriers that limit women entrepreneurs’ participation in the economy.

The SHE GROWS Programme, implemented under IFC’s Gender and Economic Inclusion Department (GEID), aims to unlock access to finance for women-owned businesses with an annual turnover of at least one million US dollars while strengthening their governance, operational capacity, and investment readiness.

Through this partnership, IFC will provide technical advisory support, capacity building, and mentorship to women-led SMEs, while KNCCI will mobilize participants, facilitate stakeholder engagements, and amplify programme visibility through its extensive national network.

The collaboration will:

  • Equip women-led enterprises with the skills and tools needed to scale operations.
  • Facilitate access to finance and investment opportunities, targeting over USD 50 million in mobilized capital.
  • Support at least 50 WSMEs through tailored business advisory and diagnostic services.
  • Create or sustain over 5,000 jobs, with a focus on women and youth.

Speaking at the signing, Dr. Erick Rutto noted,

“This partnership reflects KNCCI’s commitment to ensuring that women are not just participants but drivers of Kenya’s economic transformation. By combining IFC’s technical expertise with KNCCI’s business networks, we are creating a pathway for sustainable growth and empowerment.”

Marieme Niang added,

“IFC is proud to collaborate with KNCCI to advance gender-inclusive growth in Kenya. The SHE GROWS initiative will strengthen women entrepreneurs’ ability to access finance, attract investment, and integrate into regional and global value chains.”

Other than just in Kenya, IFC plans to pilot a similar project in Mozambique.

The partnership is a testament to the shared vision by KNCCI and IFC to foster inclusive prosperity by empowering women entrepreneurs to scale their businesses, contribute to job creation, and drive Kenya’s long-term economic development.

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