The Standard Group Plc is a
multi-media organization with investments in media platforms spanning newspaper
print operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The
Standard Group is recognized as a leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key
influence in matters of national and international interest.
Equity Bank CEO JamesMwangi during the Full Year 2024 investor briefing in Nairobi on March 27, 2025. :[Wilberforce Okwiri, Standard]
Equity Group Holdings and the African Guarantee Fund (AGF) have strengthened their commitment to supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with a $500 million (Sh64.5 billion) facility.
The facility targets MSMEs in Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, with plans to extend to future Equity Group subsidiaries over the next 10 years. It will enable Equity Group to increase its lending activities to MSMEs, with the initiative projected to sustain over 50,000 jobs, the firms said in a joint statement.
The framework will be implemented in three phases, starting with an initial $115 million (Sh14.95 billion) tranche already committed to the five core subsidiaries.
It will cover loans to MSMEs, with a focus on women-owned, youth-led, and green enterprises. To date, the AGF–Equity partnership has unlocked over $160 million in loans for nearly 2,000 MSMEs.
The collaboration between the two organisations was established in 2018, and later enhanced in 2020 with a $75 million (Sh9.7 billion) facility. The latest deal represents the largest single guarantee engagement in AGF’s history. “This expanded partnership with the African Guarantee Fund underscores our shared vision of empowering MSMEs, which are the backbone of African economies,” said Equity Group chief executive James Mwangi.
“By enhancing access to finance and promoting sustainable business practices, we are investing in the future of our communities, preserving jobs and driving inclusive growth across the region. Mwangi said they see a unique opportunity to deepen their focus on high-impact SME sub-sectors, including agriculture, and enterprises led by women and youth.
Noting the anticipated impact of the renewed partnership, AGF Group CEO Jules Ngankam said the renewed partnership with Equity Group further increases its footprint and impact in the region.
The Standard Group Plc is a
multi-media organization with investments in media platforms spanning newspaper
print operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The
Standard Group is recognized as a leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key
influence in matters of national and international interest.
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