Business & Money
Empowering Women Entrepreneurs in Africa: RevUp Women Initiative
The RevUp Women Initiative is not just an enterprise development program; it’s a transformative movement empowering women entrepreneurs across Africa. By offering vital resources, mentorship, and funding, RevUp Women is building a dynamic community of female leaders who are driving positive change in their lives while significantly contributing to the economic growth of their nations.
RevUp Women Initiative boosts women-led businesses in Africa through training, mentorship, and funding. Join us in fostering economic growth and gender equality.
The RevUp Women Initiative is a transformative enterprise development program designed to accelerate early-stage, women-led businesses across Africa into profitable and sustainable ventures.
By fostering gender equality and inclusive economic growth, this initiative offers a comprehensive suite of services, including enterprise development training, mentorship, peer-to-peer learning, and access to finance.
Achievements and Impact
Since its inception, the RevUp Women Initiative has successfully trained 444 women entrepreneurs across ten cities in five African countries: Nigeria, Kenya, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and South Africa.
This impactful program is funded by the Visa Foundation, emphasizing its commitment to fostering entrepreneurship among women in the continent.
Mentorship and Training Programs
At the heart of the RevUp Women Initiative is its robust mentorship program.
Through this program, women entrepreneurs gain access to invaluable support, enabling them to start and grow their businesses.
The initiative connects participants with experienced mentors who guide them through various challenges, offering insights and expertise tailored to their specific needs.
To enhance the impact of this mentorship, AfriLabs—a dynamic innovation-focused organization established in 2011—has developed a network of women leaders across the continent.
These leaders serve as volunteer mentors, providing guidance and support to women entrepreneurs. Mentors are paired with mentees based on their profiles and the specific needs of the entrepreneurs, ensuring a personalized approach to development.
Funding and Future Prospects
The RevUp Women Initiative aims to provide capacity-building training and mentoring to 500 women business owners during its pilot stage. As part of this effort, 10 women-owned businesses will receive grants of $10,000 each from the Visa Foundation to support their growth.
This funding is critical for helping women entrepreneurs overcome the unique challenges they face and stimulating job creation across the continent.
The initiative also promotes peer-to-peer learning, allowing participants to share experiences and strategies for success.
This collaborative environment enhances the growth potential of women-led businesses, contributing to the broader goal of economic empowerment.
AfriLabs: A Supportive Ecosystem
AfriLabs plays a pivotal role in the RevUp Women Initiative by establishing and nurturing innovation hubs across Africa.
These hubs serve as co-working spaces and training centers, providing comprehensive support in areas such as business management, legalities, and finance.
By fostering a community around these hubs, AfriLabs contributes significantly to cultivating innovators and entrepreneurs who can drive economic growth and social development throughout the continent.
Conclusion
The RevUp Women Initiative is more than just an enterprise development program; it is a movement aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs across Africa.
By providing essential resources, mentorship, and funding, RevUp Women is helping to build a vibrant community of female leaders who are not only transforming their own lives but also contributing to the economic prosperity of their countries.
As the initiative continues to grow, it remains committed to driving change and inspiring future generations of women entrepreneurs.
Keywords: RevUp Women, women entrepreneurs, Africa, mentorship, economic growth
: KCB Group reports Sh44.5B ( US$ 342.31) nine-month profit, outpacing
Equity Bank. Learn about its 49% growth, challenges, and stock performance this
year.
KCB Group Plc has outperformed Equity Bank to cement its position as Kenya’s leading
lender, posting a net profit of Sh44.5 billion for the nine months ending September
This represents a 49% year-on-year growth, surpassing Equity Bank’s Sh37.5
billion profit during the same period.
Profit Growth Driven by Core Business Performance
The remarkable profit growth was fueled by higher earnings from both interest and non-
interest income streams. KCB’s diverse revenue base has been pivotal in maintaining
its dominance in the competitive banking sector.
Non-Performing Loans a Key Concern
Despite the impressive profit growth, KCB’s non-performing loan (NPL) ratio rose to
18.5%, compared to 16.5% last year. This increase highlights persistent challenges in
managing credit risk, with Chief Financial Officer Lawrence Kimathi acknowledging it as
a “pain point” for the bank.
KCB Stock Outshines Peers on NSE
KCB’s strong financial performance has translated into exceptional stock market results.
The bank’s stock has risen 78.8% year-to-date, making it the best-performing banking
stock on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE).
Plans to Sell National Bank of Kenya
Earlier this year, KCB announced plans to sell its struggling subsidiary, National Bank of
Kenya (NBK), to Nigeria’s Access Bank. While Nigerian regulators have approved the
deal, it is still awaiting clearance from Kenya’s Central Bank. The sale aims to
streamline KCB’s operations and address losses at NBK.
CEO Paul Russo Optimistic About Year-End Performance
“The journey has not been without its hurdles, but our ability to walk alongside our
customers has driven our success,” said KCB CEO Paul Russo. He expressed
confidence in closing the year on a high note, leveraging improving economic conditions
across the region.
Key Figures at a Glance
● Net Profit: Sh44.5 billion (+49%)
● Non-Performing Loan Ratio: 18.5% (up from 16.5%)
● Stock Performance: +78.8% year-to-date
KCB’s strong performance underscores its resilience in navigating challenges and its
commitment to sustaining growth in Kenya’s banking sector.
Business & Money
Top 10 Kenyan banks by total assets as of 2023, based on data from the Central Bank of Kenya:
KCB Bank Kenya Limited
Total Assets: KSh 1.425 trillion
Market Share: 17.4%
Equity Bank Kenya Limited
Total Assets: KSh 1.004 trillion
Market Share: 12.2%
NCBA Bank Kenya PLC
Total Assets: KSh 661.7 billion
Market Share: 9.2%
Co-operative Bank of Kenya
Total Assets: KSh 624.3 billion
Market Share: 8.8%
Absa Bank Kenya PLC
Total Assets: KSh 520.3 billion
Market Share: 6.6%
Standard Chartered Bank Kenya
Total Assets: KSh 429.3 billion
Market Share: 5.9%
Stanbic Bank Kenya
Total Assets: KSh 449.6 billion
Market Share: 5.8%
I&M Bank Limited
Total Assets: KSh 405.6 billion
Market Share: 5.4%
Diamond Trust Bank Kenya
Total Assets: KSh 399.6 billion
Market Share: 5.3%
Bank of Baroda (Kenya) Limited
Total Assets: KSh 201.9 billion
Market Share: 2.8%
These rankings illustrate the dominance of large Tier 1 banks, which collectively control over
76% of the market share. Strategic expansions, increased deposit mobilisation, and robust
lending practices underpin the sector’s strong performance
: Vasundhara Oswal, daughter of industrialist Pankaj Oswal, faces serious
charges in Uganda. The Oswals call for UN intervention amid claims of corporate
jealousy.
Vasundhara Oswal, the 26-year-old daughter of prominent Swiss-Indian industrialist
Pankaj Oswal, has found herself at the centre of a legal storm in Uganda.
Her father, a well-established business figure, is known for his diverse investments,
most notably a $150 million ethanol plant in Uganda.
This plant, the largest of its kind in East Africa, is a key part of Oswal’s broader strategy
to invest in industrial and eco-friendly solutions in the region. The facility produces extra-neutral alcohol (ENA), which is used in the beverage, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries.
It is recognised for its modern technology and sustainable practices, such as zero liquid
discharge, emphasising the Oswal family’s commitment to both industrial growth and
environmental responsibility.
In addition to the ethanol plant, Pankaj Oswal has made strategic investments across
various industries, including petrochemicals, agriculture, and real estate.
His ventures reflect a global reach, extending to Australia and India, where he has
been involved in industries ranging from agriculture to renewable energy.
His diversified business approach and commitment to sustainability have made him a prominent figure in international business. However, in October 2024, the family’s legacy was overshadowed by the legal troubles surrounding Vasundhara Oswal.
She was detained on October 1, 2024, after being accused of involvement in the
alleged murder of Mukesh Menaria, a former employee who had worked with the
Oswals since 2017.
Menaria had accused the family of harassment but later testified under oath that they
had not harmed him Despite this, charges of kidnapping and murder were brought against Vasundhara.
Her family has strongly denied these allegations, claiming that the charges are
politically motivated and part of a larger conspiracy orchestrated by their business rivals
in collaboration with corrupt officials in Uganda.
The Oswals have appealed to the United Nations, seeking intervention and asserting
that the legal proceedings against Vasundhara are unlawful. Vasundhara has actively managed the family business throughout her career, especially the ethanol plant, and led the company’s sustainable initiatives.
Beyond her business involvement, she has also been an advocate for community
welfare and mental health, further cementing the Oswal family’s reputation for corporate
social responsibility.
The unfolding legal drama has raised important questions about the intersection of
business, politics, and the legal systems in Uganda.
While the Oswal family’s ventures reflect a blend of industrial innovation and social
responsibility, the legal challenges Vasundhara faces have cast a shadow over their
business empire, highlighting the complex dynamics at play in East Africa.
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