For women entrepreneurs, access to financing has always been a major hurdle especially in green sectors often deemed too risky by traditional lenders. A new partnership between Finance Trust Bank and Investisseurs & Partenaires (I&P) is aiming to change that narrative.
The two institutions have introduced a loan guarantee facility that eases collateral requirements, opening doors to credit for women-led businesses driving environmentally sustainable initiatives.
The program will focus on sectors such as renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, waste management, the circular economy, and eco-tourism—fields that are increasingly critical for addressing environmental challenges while creating economic opportunities.
Percy Lubega, head of marketing at Finance Trust Bank, said the partnership allows the bank to finance entrepreneurs who might otherwise be excluded under conventional lending rules.
“This collaboration provides a guarantee that enables us to explore sectors traditionally seen as high-risk,” Lubega said. “By reducing our exposure, we can extend more credit while advancing our mission to support livelihoods and fight poverty.”
In its first year, the initiative is expected to back around 40 green ventures, giving small businesses the financial boost needed to grow operations and scale innovative solutions.
The financing package is designed for accessibility. Beneficiaries can access loans averaging about 93 million shillings (around $24,000), with interest rates under 20 percent and collateral requirements cut to about half the loan value.
Entrepreneurs will also enjoy a grace period of up to six months and a repayment term of 12 months—offering businesses breathing room to stabilize before starting repayments.
Barbara Adolehoume, program manager for the I&P Women in Entrepreneurship for Africa (WFEA) program, emphasized that the partnership is part of a broader effort to close the financing gap women face across the continent.
The program is already active in countries like Senegal, Togo, and Cameroon, supporting women-led enterprises through both technical assistance and improved financial access.
“Through the WFEA program and I&P, we aim to remove barriers that prevent women from securing the funding they need,” Adolehoume said.
Beyond loans, the initiative seeks to strengthen the ecosystem around women entrepreneurs, connecting them to networks and resources that can help their businesses thrive sustainably.
The partnership also builds on a relationship spanning more than two decades.
Raphaël Dumont, director of acceleration programs at I&P, noted that the organization became a shareholder in Finance Trust Bank 21 years ago, laying the groundwork for continued collaboration in promoting entrepreneurship and financial inclusion.
Investisseurs & Partenaires, parent of the nonprofit arm IETP, has supported more than 300 companies across 25 African countries over the past 20 years, promoting responsible investment and sustainable development.
Under the new arrangement, Finance Trust Bank will manage loan appraisal, approval, and disbursement to successful applicants.
I&P will validate that businesses meet eligibility criteria, ensuring they are women-led and aligned with environmental sustainability goals.
