The Co-operative Bank of Kenya has been named SME Bank of the Year in Africa at the 20th African Banker Awards, recognising its role in financing small and medium-sized businesses across the region.
The award was announced Wednesday in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, during a ceremony held alongside the African Development Bank Annual Meetings. The event is organised by African Banker magazine and IC Events, under the patronage of the African Development Bank.
Co-op Bank was selected from a field of continental lenders, with judges citing its sustained focus on SME lending and expanded access to credit for small businesses.
Group Managing Director and CEO Dr Gideon Muriuki said the award validated the bank’s long-running strategy in the segment.
“This recognition as the SME Bank of the Year in Africa is a powerful validation of our unique expertise and deep-rooted commitment to serving the banking needs of small and medium enterprises across the Eastern African region. We remain dedicated to walking alongside entrepreneurs – the true engine of job creation and inclusive economic growth – to unlock prosperity for millions of Kenyans and our neighbours in the region.”
The lender has in recent years positioned SME financing as a core growth area and has previously received regional awards in the segment.
The African Banker Awards recognise financial institutions and individuals in Africa’s banking sector for performance, innovation and contribution to financial inclusion.
