Equity Group has signed a trade credit financing agreement with BpiFrance, France’s public investment bank, to support Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Kenya and East Africa. The partnership provides financing in US dollars and Kenyan shillings, enabling businesses to expand across the six countries where Equity operates.
Dr James Mwangi, Equity Group’s CEO, highlighted the partnership’s role in bridging the SME financing gap and fostering trade between Kenya, France, and Europe. The agreement also strengthens Nairobi’s position as a financial hub for East and Central Africa.
BpiFrance CEO, Nicolas Dufourcq, praised the partnership as a bridge for trade, technology, and entrepreneurship between Europe and Africa, particularly in sectors like agriculture, fintech, and renewable energy.
The collaboration, aligned with Kenya’s Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the EU, will boost job creation, economic growth, and open new opportunities for Kenyan businesses in European markets. It will also help de-risk investments for French companies entering Africa, with syndicated loans in both local and foreign currencies.
This partnership supports Equity’s mission to connect international markets with local opportunities and drive sustainable economic growth across Africa.
For more information on Equity Bank visit www.equitygroupholdings.com
