GBF manages the full lifecycle of these funds, from design and partner selection to capital deployment, technical assistance, monitoring, and learning. This integrated model turns strategy into real results on the ground.
A nationwide initiative empowering over 225,000 youth and women-led micro, small, and medium enterprises across Kenya.
The program combines grassroots mobilisation, digital-based concessional loans, and both in-person and digital technical assistance across all 47 counties. Loan sizes range from KES 5,000 to KES 14,000,000, with terms up to two years.
Financing provided to SMEs
Trained participants
(65% young women)
SMEs supported (45%
women-owned)
Counties reached
A partnership with the African Guarantee Fund to address the financing gap facing women entrepreneurs in Kenya through tailored financing, technical assistance, and a graduation pathway to commercial banking.
The program provides medium-term working capital and growth financing to women-owned and women-led SMEs with flexible repayment terms and alternative collateral arrangements. Every business receives investment readiness training, due diligence support, and post-lending mentorship across financial management, operations, governance, and strategy. GBF works with partner banks to help qualifying businesses transition to mainstream banking through the AFAWA Guarantee.
Disbursed to women-led businesses
Women-led businesses supported
Counties across Kenya
A four-year facility with the Eastern and Southern African Trade and Development Bank to finance women and youth-led SMEs in agriculture.
The facility combines capital with technical assistance to strengthen financial management systems. Operating in Kenya and Tanzania.
Committed
Companies across East Africa
Farmers reached
A Mastercard Foundation initiative to support institutions and communities in Kenya during the pandemic. GBF served as fund manager.
The program featured online and offline assessment and training to improve MSME resilience. Sectors included wholesale and retail trade, clothing and fashion services, and agriculture and livestock.
Loan capital
Micro-enterprises supported
Jobs sustained
To women-owned enterprises
To youth-owned enterprises