Absa Bank Kenya and Unilever Kenya have entered into a partnership worth KES 4 billion to finance distributors and retailers within Unilever’s supply chain. The programme is aimed at easing one of the biggest challenges facing small and medium-sized businesses in the sector: access to working capital.
The initiative is intended to strengthen Kenya’s consumer goods value chain while giving a boost to the growth of SMEs across the country. It will cover more than 38 Unilever distributors nationwide, along with the retailers and stockists linked to their networks. In its first phase, the two companies plan to bring at least 10 distributors on board by the end of the year.
The facility has been built to support Unilever Kenya’s distribution network by providing fast, flexible, and dependable financing that helps businesses cover working capital needs, keep stock levels up, and scale their operations. The commitment, which will be reviewed annually, will be rolled out through Absa’s Wezesha Stock Loan financing solution.
Speaking at the announcement of the partnership, Absa Bank Kenya’s Interim Managing Director and CEO, Yusuf Omari, highlighted the bank’s commitment to supporting the enterprises that drive 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. Through Wezesha Stock, we are removing long-standing barriers to capital, enabling businesses to unlock new opportunities and strengthening the entire ecosystem,” said Mr. Omari.
Wezesha Stock is a digital financing platform that gives distributors and retailers efficient access to working capital and stock finance. Through the programme, businesses can access unsecured loans of up to KES 10 million, including LPO financing, invoice discounting, and asset finance options. Of this, up to KES 5 million can be disbursed within 48 hours through a fully digitised process.
Unilever Kenya Managing Director, Luck Ochieng, said the partnership marks 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, improve product availability, and better serve their customers. It also reinforces our commitment to building a resilient and inclusive supply chain locally.”
The initiative supports the growth of the SMEs that form the backbone of Kenya’s consumer goods sector, contributing to job creation, business resilience, and wider economic activity. It also builds on a long-running banking relationship between Absa and Unilever that dates back to 1980, reflecting a shared commitment to sustainable growth and stronger value chains across Kenya.
