Absa Bank Kenya and Unilever Kenya have signed an agreement for a Sh4 billion financing programme designed to address access to working capital, one of the most significant constraints facing distributors and retailers.
The initiative is expected to strengthen Kenya’s consumer goods value chain while accelerating the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the country.
The programme targets over 38 Unilever distributors nationwide, as well as retailers and stockists within their value chains. In its initial phase, the partners aim to onboard more than 10 distributors by the end of the year.
Designed to enhance Unilever Kenya’s distribution network, the facility offers fast, flexible, and reliable financing solutions to help businesses meet their working capital needs, improve stock availability, and scale their operations, according to mamagment.
This commitment, subject to annual review, will be delivered through Absa’s Wezesha Stock Loan financing solution.
Speaking during the partnership announcement, Absa Bank Kenya’s interim managing director and CEO, Yusuf Omari, underscored the bank’s commitment to supporting enterprises that play a pivotal role in driving Kenya’s economy.
“For decades, Absa has walked alongside businesses within Kenya’s stock distribution ecosystem, and we deeply value Unilever Kenya as a long-standing corporate partner in that journey. This next phase of our partnership allows us to expand our collective impact across the value chain by ensuring that distributors and retailers have reliable and timely access to the financing they need to grow," he said.
"Through Wezesha Stock, we are removing long-standing barriers to capital, enabling businesses to unlock new opportunities and strengthening the entire ecosystem."
Wezesha Stock is a digital financing platform that enables distributors and retailers to access working capital and stock finance efficiently.
Under the programme, businesses can access unsecured loans of up to Sh10 million, including LPO financing, invoice discounting, and asset finance options.
Of this, up to Sh5 million can be disbursed within 48 hours through a fully digitised process.
Unilever Kenya managing director, Luck Ochieng noted that the partnership is a strategic step towards strengthening the company’s supply chain while empowering its distribution partners.
"Our distributors, who serve over 140,000 retailers, are at the heart of our business and play a critical role in ensuring our products reach consumers across the country. This partnership with Absa bank provides them with access to flexible and timely financing, enabling them to grow sustainably," he said.
This initiative supports the growth of SMEs that form the backbone of Kenya’s consumer goods sector, contributing to job creation, business resilience, and broader economic activity.
It also builds on a longstanding banking relationship between Absa and Unilever that dates back to 1980, reflecting a shared commitment to driving sustainable growth and strengthening value chains across Kenya.
