UBA Kenya Boosts Youth & Women Entrepreneurs with New Initiative

:United Bank of Africa Kenya commits to empowering youth and women-led businesses, enhancing financial inclusion, and supporting sustainable economic growth.

By Charles Wachira

United Bank of Africa (UBA) Kenya, celebrating 15 years in the market, October 21  announced a focused initiative to support youth and women-led businesses, highlighting a commitment to inclusive growth that complements its established work in financing large-scale infrastructure projects.

In an address on the new direction, UBA Kenya CEO Mary Mulili underscored the bank’s commitment to fostering financial inclusion.

 “Youth and women entrepreneurs are the heartbeat of Kenya’s economy,” Mulili said.

 Adding, “At UBA Kenya, we aim to bridge the financing gap that often hinders their growth by providing not just capital but also advisory support and networks to help their businesses thrive”

The initiative includes specialized loan products designed to make credit more accessible for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and minority-owned businesses, alongside a range of mentorship programs, financial literacy training, and networking opportunities.

 By offering these resources, UBA seeks to empower young and female entrepreneurs with the tools necessary to overcome the barriers traditionally faced in the marketplace.

With UBA’s presence in 20 African countries, Mulili emphasized that the bank is well-positioned to connect Kenyan SMEs with larger regional and international markets. 

“Our cross-border presence allows us to help Kenyan businesses grow beyond our borders, enabling them to harness the full potential of the African market,” she noted.

This initiative also aligns with Kenya’s economic goals of addressing high youth unemployment—currently estimated at 39%—and increasing the participation of women in entrepreneurship, which accounts for around 36% of businesses in Kenya.

 With tailored support for these underrepresented groups, UBA hopes to fuel job creation, innovation, and economic empowerment across the nation.

In addition to bolstering SMEs, UBA is steadfast in its commitment to financing large-scale infrastructure projects across critical sectors like renewable energy, transportation, and healthcare.

 This dual focus on infrastructure development and SME support, Mulili said, underscores UBA’s long-term commitment to sustainable growth in Kenya.

“By supporting infrastructure and SMEs simultaneously, we are contributing to a more resilient and diverse economic landscape for Kenya,” Mulili concluded.

This strategic approach positions UBA Kenya as a significant player in Kenya’s financial ecosystem, with a vision of empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs and advancing the nation’s development goals.

Keywords:UBA Kenya:Youth entrepreneurship:Women-owned businesses:Financial inclusion:SME support