Absa Bank Kenya

Absa, in partnership with Value Connect, has organised an exclusive benchmarking tour in the USA for our #AbsaBusinessClub members, equipping them with world-class business insights to scale their enterprises. Their first stop? Chick-fil-A Restaurants a brand that has mastered the art of putting people first. From exceptional customer service to a thriving employee culture and strong community engagement, Chick-fil-A’s success story is a testament to the power of prioritizing people. #YourStoryMatters

Ramadhan is a time of sharing and caring. Through Absa La Riba Banking and the #AbsaKenyaFoundation, we’re spreading kindness with food donations across 19 locations countrywide. Together, we make a difference. Ramadhan Mubarak!  #AbsaLaRibaBanking  #YourStoryMatters

This morning, we were pleased to feature at the Kenya Public-Private Sector MSMEs Dialogue (MSMEs Connect Official Launch) held at the KICC.   At the event, our MD &CEO, Abdi Mohamed, delivered a keynote speech on behalf of the Kenya Bankers Association (KBA) reinforcing the commitment of the banking industry to Kenya’s MSMEs recognising their crucial contribution to our nation’s economy.   Speaking at the event, Abdi said: “As the banking industry, we understand the challenges MSMEs face, particularly in accessing affordable financing, navigating regulatory challenges, and formalising their businesses. Our role is to bridge these gaps, creating an ecosystem where MSMEs can thrive, innovate, and contribute to national development.   He added: “To this end, the banking sector is committed to facilitating access to credit for MSMEs through our collective commitment, which we made last year to provide new loans worth KES 150 billion annually over the next three years to this critical sector our economy. Beyond access to finance, we recognise that a conducive business environment is fundamental to the success of enterprises. The banking industry is, therefore, committed to supporting initiatives that enhance the ease of doing business, including the harmonisation of processes to make business formalisation seamless."   “As an industry, our support extends beyond financial services. We are actively championing government initiatives that drive economic transformation and social impact. One such initiative is the creative sector entrepreneurship programme, which seeks to unlock opportunities for young entrepreneurs in the creative sector. As we embark on the next phase of supporting MSMEs, we reaffirm our commitment to strengthening financial inclusion, advocating for an enabling regulatory framework, and fostering sustainable economic development. The banking industry stands ready to play its part in ensuring that MSMEs have the necessary resources and support to grow, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to our economy." #WezeshaBiashara #YourStoryMatters

Step into the heart of banking with inspiring reflections from our Consumer Banking Director, Moses Muthui, as he unveils the untold stories behind the scenes. #YourStoryMatters

Your ambitions deserve a banking partner that grows with you. Absa Access gives you the financial freedom to expand, backed by seamless cross-border transactions that remove trade barriers and keep your operations fluid. Wherever your business takes you, we ensure every transaction works in your favor We are invested in your story, and we invite you to write it with us. Visit https://lnkd.in/d9ZaipfX today and let us invest in your story.   #InvestedInYourStory  #YourStoryMatters

We navigated significant uncertainty in the operating environment in 2024. Against this backdrop, we are pleased to have reported a set of results that we can be proud of. Our strategy remains intact, and we achieved significant growth in our customer franchise. Our interim Group CEO, Charles Russon reflected on our performance during the year as we release our annual financial results today. Read more: https://brnw.ch/21wRfh9 #AbsaResults2024

As the #SheTrades Kenya Hub, we are committed to empowering women entrepreneurs by providing them access to finance, markets, and mentorship. Through initiatives such as the Absa InspireMe Conference, and the Access to Finance Accelerator program, we continue to play our role in connecting women entrepreneurs to regional and global trade opportunities, financing solutions, and expert guidance to support them succeed in business. We invite women entrepreneurs in Kenya to join the #AbsaShe program and #SheTrades today to unlock new opportunities. #YourStoryMatters

Yesterday evening, we were privileged to flag off a delegation of #AbsaBusinessClub members to the United States of America for a sequence of business engagements aimed at aiding them to tap into newer markets and to unlock investment opportunities and partnerships. Organised in collaboration with Value Connect Management Consultancy Ltd, Delta Air Lines, FCM Travel, the trip, scheduled from the 11th to the 21st of March 2025, will enable the entrepreneurs to gain market insights and facilitate strategic partnerships in one of the world’s most developed nations. Speaking during the flag-off event at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Erastus Muthura, our Head of SME Banking said the trip is designed to provide the business club members with access to markets, mentorship, coaching, and information - all key pillars for the #AbsaBusinessClub and are focused on the holistic growth of entrepreneurs. He also highlighted that: “As a bank, we recognise how crucial business trips are for driving growth. That is why we are focused on introducing our business club members to international markets. Our goal is to help entrepreneurs gain valuable insights into market trends in developed nations, setting them up for growth both locally and in other regions. Our focus as Absa is to empower SMEs and provide more than just financial assistance to help you scale and thrive.” The delegation will gain first-hand exposure to global best practices, participate in direct engagements with potential investors and industry experts, and enjoy tours to leading innovation hubs as they seek to tap into newer markets. The US trip follows a similar engagement to Estonia and Finland last month. The United States is renowned for its innovation and strong entrepreneurial culture, providing vast opportunities for funding and investment for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) #WezeshaBiashara #YourStoryMatters

The WOMEN IN TECH ® Global #Africa #Summit has started and how incredible it's been so far! We are celebrating International Women's Day in style at the beautiful Hotel Villa Rosa Kempinski Hotels in Nairobi, Kenya. ✨✨SPEAKER ANNOUNCEMENT✨✨ JULIUS KAMAU, is the Chief Operating and Digital Officer at Absa Bank Kenya and has delivered a fabulous Sponsor's Address to kick things off. Julius has a proven track record of success, with over 23 years’ experience in managing banking operations, enterprise projects, transformation programs, and technology. He has extensive experience in deploying digital banking, cloud computing and robotics process automation technology. His previous role was Group Director, Technology & Operations at NCBA Group. He has also held senior leadership roles in the banking industry at KCB, NIC, Ecobank, Standard Chartered (Kenya & UAE) and Citibank. Julius holds an undergraduate Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Nairobi, he is a qualified Certified Public Accountant (CPA) from Strathmore University and he has a certification in Financial Markets Operations (ACI). This incredible day will also mark the launch of our Women in Tech®Kenya chapter! This event would not be made possible without our incredible sponsors Absa Group Amazon Web Services (AWS) Yellow Card Unicaf alx_africa Mastercard Foundation African Originals Convington & Burling LLP and Safaricom PLC This year’s Africa Summit theme, "Innovate for Impact: Creating a Sustainable Future Through Tech" will highlight how #EdTech, #FinTech, #AgriTech, #HealthTech, #Sustainability, #Advocacy and #Policies are shaping a better future. Together we must #AccelerateAction toward achieving the United Nations’s Sustainable Development Goals! Melissa Slaymaker Erika Reeves Nondumiso Zibi Lasbery C. Oludimu (LLM, MCIArb, ACIS) Njoki Jacqueline Gichinga Beverly Rajha (MBA) Juliet Dickson Samkele Diseko Hwalani Mabaso Veronica Ndung'u, ACIM Faith Nkatha Gitonga ✔Leah M. Lucy Mbuthia Women in Tech®Kenya Winnie Rachael, MSc. Kanyi Mwangi MCIPR MPRSK Sandrine Tshiamala Laurie Fuller Dr. Philile Mkhize Mosa Mkhize Esther Masese Waititu Sarah Muyonga Zandile Mkwanazi Nelly (Kosi) Cheboi 🤗

I sat down with the Managing Principal for Absa Bank Kenya's stable of Corporate & Investment Banking, James Agin, to discuss the franchise's performance in 2024 & outlook for 2025. Key highlights: · 2024 was largely a short-term capital logistics play for the business principally due to the elevated interest rates environment. Trade finance was a key driver of momentum last year · With yields having corrected drastically in Q4/2024, long-term debt is expected to take front & centre stage in 2025 · The investment bank arm of the business had a good run in 2024 as companies (caught between coming off the COVID19 hangover & muddling through an elevated interest rates environment) began to have conversations about their capital structure & whether it was optimally placed · The bank is very keen to solution for the retail segment of Kenya's capital markets. They should be launching an MSCI World Index linked ETF in Q2/2025 in this regard #InvestedInYourStory More via link below... https://lnkd.in/dTd2avjJ