The Co-operative Bank of Kenya has achieved another global milestone. It has been recognized at the Global SME Finance Awards 2025 for its outstanding support to small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The award celebrates banks that go the extra mile to empower small businesses through innovation and impact.
The recognition was given by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group. The Global SME Finance Awards honour institutions that make financing easier and more effective for SMEs worldwide. Co-op Bank was awarded for its efforts in helping local entrepreneurs grow and access affordable financial services.
The bank has built strong partnerships with thousands of SMEs across Kenya. It provides loans, training, and financial literacy programs to help businesses grow sustainably. Through its Co-op MSME Package, the bank offers tailor-made financial solutions that suit the needs of small traders, manufacturers, and service providers.
In recent years, Co-op Bank has also embraced digital transformation. Its mobile and internet banking platforms make it easy for business owners to transact, access credit, and manage their accounts on the go. This innovation has strengthened the bank’s connection with Kenya’s growing SME sector.
Speaking after receiving the award, Co-op Bank Group Managing Director, Dr. Gideon Muriuki, said the recognition is proof of the bank’s commitment to supporting Kenyan entrepreneurs. He added that SMEs are the backbone of Kenya’s economy, and empowering them means building a stronger nation.
The bank’s continued focus on financial inclusion and customer-centered solutions has made it one of the top SME-friendly banks in Africa. Co-op Bank remains a leader in promoting entrepreneurship, job creation, and economic growth.
This global award puts the Co-operative Bank of Kenya on the world map once again, confirming its role as a trusted financial partner for SMEs in Kenya and beyond.
