Stanbic Kenya Foundation in collaboration with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), has opened applications for the Women Employment for the Green Transformation (WE4D) program – an initiative set to empower 300 women-led small green-sector enterprises with specialized training and coaching.
More than 300 women-led small enterprises in Kenya’s green sector are set to benefit from specialized training and coaching that could further grow their businesses and make them more resilient. Stanbic Kenya Foundation has partnered with GIZ’s Employment promotion for women for the green transformation in Kenya (WE4D) Programme to strengthen business management skills through targeted training and facilitate access to formal financial services, driving business growth and job creation.
“We believe women-led enterprises are catalysts for inclusive economic growth and environmental sustainability. This program continues our commitment to equip local entrepreneurs with the skills and financial tools they need to thrive,” said Pauline Mbayah, Head of Stanbic Kenya Foundation.
The program targets businesses in sustainable industries such as renewable energy, waste management, aquaculture, eco-tourism, and sustainable agriculture. It also includes greening sectors—like logistics, transport, and construction—where enterprises are adopting environmentally friendly practices.
“Investing in women entrepreneurs in the green space strengthens local economies and is essential for driving inclusive economic growth and unlocking the full potential of the green economy. This partnership supports women entrepreneurs to scale their impact and contribute meaningfully to sustainable development,” noted Thomas Jaeschke, the WE4D programme team leader in Kenya.
This partnership is funded by the Governments of Germany and Norway to support women-led green small enterprises in Kenya. It is implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).
Eligibility criteria
Applicants must:
- Be based and operational in Homabay, Kisii, Kisumu, Nyamira, Kakamega, or Vihiga counties;
- Be women-led or women-owned enterprises;
- Have operated for at least 3 years;
- Employ a minimum of 5 people;
- Earn annual revenues between Kshs 1 – 5 million;
- Operate in a qualifying green or greening sector.
How to apply
Eligible businesses are encouraged to submit their applications by April 30, 2025.
Stanbic Kenya Foundation was established with a broad mandate of catalyzing inclusive Social Economic growth and promoting Environmental/Climate awareness as avenues to create sustainable businesses in the Kenya and South Sudan economies in line with the Sustainable Development Goals. In doing so, the Foundation amplifies Stanbic Bank Kenya’s purpose of “Kenya is our Home, we drive her growth.” Through the Foundation, the Bank demonstrates in practical ways, its Vision and Purpose and delivers value addition to Staff, Women, Youth and MSMEs.
The programme “Employment promotion for women for the green transformation in Africa” (WE4D) aims at enhancing the employment and economic situation of women in sub-Saharan Africa, especially in sectors which are driving the green transformation. Through cooperation with private and public sector partners, WE4D is implementing development projects in different sectors including renewable energy, circular economy/waste management and eco-tourism. Traditional sectors with high potential for greening such as agriculture/agro-processing, blue economy/aquaculture, transport & logistics and construction are also considered. WE4D is a partnership between the Federal Republic of Germany, the EU, Norway and IKEA Foundation. It is implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH.
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