Esther Kariuki, Head of Agriculture Business at Co-op Bank of Kenya, has become the second female winner of the African Banker of the Year award at the African Banker Awards 2023.
This is perhaps the most coveted, rewarding the deserving recipient’s leadership and vision that has led to strong financial performance within their organisation.
She has successfully grown Co-op Bank’s agricultural division since she first joined the bank six years ago.
She has been a central figure in advancing agriculture as a key asset class for the bank, and led the rollout of the platform Co-op Bank Soko in February 2021, a digital marketplace that connects the agriculture value chain and ensures that smallholder farmers receive a higher price for their produce.
“This year’s award ceremony is a testament not only to the vibrancy and dynamism of Africa’s banking industry but also its increasing diversity,” Ben Yedder, said Omar Ben Yedder, Committee Chairman and Group Publisher at IC Publications.
“The financial services industry continues to demonstrate excellence, innovation and impact in their respective markets and regions. FinTech, Climate Finance, and Cross-Border payments are all being shaped by the leaders we are recognising today.”
Now on its 15th edition, African Banker Awards celebrate the achievements of individuals and institutions that have contributed significantly to the growth and development of Africa's banking sector over the past year.
The ceremony is organised by African Banker magazine with the African Development Bank as its High Patron.
This year’s AfDB Meetings focused on mobilising private sector finance towards green growth. The African Guarantee Fund, the Trade and Development Bank (TDB) and Tanzania’s CRDB sponsored the 2023 edition.
Equity Bank was once again feted as the best bank in the country for the 12th consecutive year.
"This esteemed recognition reflects the bank's unwavering commitment to creating a sustainable financial model and solidifying its position as an industry leader,'' Equity Bank Kenya MD Gerald Warui said.
The lender secured the top spot in multiple categories, showcasing its exceptional performance across various sectors.
It emerged victorious in the newly introduced ESG Factors category, Mobile Banking, Customer Centricity, Digital Banking, Retail Banking, Trade Finance, Agriculture and Livestock Financing, SME Banking, Agency Banking, Product Marketing, and Internet Banking.
The bank also received a Special Judges Award for Product Innovation, for its contribution to championing clean energy access.
“ We invite our members to join us in celebrating the sweat of their unwavering support and the heritage of self-determination to seek dignity, the transformation of lives and expansion of opportunities to create wealth,'' Warui said.
We trust the win will inspire our people to appreciate the possibilities of dreams coming true and relentlessly pursue their ambitions while counting on our partnership and support.”
Equity also took the first runners-up and second runners-up positions in five awards categories.
