By Irene Jambi/ Reporter
STANBIC SURPASSES TRADE FINANCE TARGET WITH KES133 BILLION FACILITATED, DRIVING SUSTAINABLE GROWTH ACROSS KENYA AND SOUTH SUDAN
Stanbic Holdings Plc has exceeded its 2025 trade finance target by facilitating KES133 billion in trade financing, outperforming its KES90 billion goal and reinforcing its commitment to sustainable finance, enterprise development and inclusive economic growth across Kenya and South Sudan.
According to the Group’s 2025 Sustainability Report, Stanbic continued to strengthen its position as a leading sustainable finance partner by expanding investments in green financing, affordable housing, climate-smart agriculture, women-led enterprises and youth empowerment.
The Bank advanced KES4.5 billion in green building loans and KES273 million in solar energy financing, reflecting its growing commitment to climate-resilient investments. It also disbursed KES1.8 billion in affordable housing finance, helping more Kenyans access quality and affordable homes.
Stanbic Holdings Chief Executive Dr Joshua Oigara said the institution had deliberately repositioned its portfolio towards sectors that promote long-term economic resilience.
“We made a deliberate strategic shift, re-orienting our portfolio toward sectors and segments that foster long-term national resilience, including green financing. Sustainability is now embedded into our daily decision-making and strategic direction,” said Dr Oigara.
The Bank also strengthened support for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), disbursing KES105.73 million in grants and catalytic funding to help businesses access capital, build resilience and accelerate growth.
In a major boost to women entrepreneurs, Stanbic has now disbursed KES49.5 billion through its D.A.D.A platform since inception, benefiting thousands of women-led enterprises while onboarding 112,640 women into the program.
The institution further increased procurement spending directed to women-owned businesses to 15.53 percent and enhanced gender diversity in leadership, with women occupying 43 percent of Board positions.
On climate action, Stanbic disbursed KES2.5 billion toward climate-smart agriculture, expanding its agricultural loan portfolio to 9.9 percent. The Bank also planted 204,000 trees and restored more than 107 hectares of degraded land, including indigenous forests in Mt. Kenya and mangrove ecosystems at the Sabaki Estuary.
Chief Risk Officer Edwin Mucai noted that the Bank’s Environmental and Social Risk Management framework continues to safeguard both the institution and its clients from environmentally and socially vulnerable investments.
“Our screening framework strengthens the quality and resilience of our loan portfolio while helping clients avoid projects with significant environmental and social risks,” he said.
During the sustainability report launch, Stanbic formally signed the UN Women’s Empowerment Principles, reaffirming its commitment to gender equality through leadership, workplace inclusion, enterprise development, community advocacy and transparent reporting.
The Bank also continued to create social impact through the Stanbic Foundation, supporting MSMEs and equipping more than 100,000 young people across eight counties with digital skills aimed at enhancing employability and entrepreneurship opportunities.
To further accelerate sustainability adoption, Stanbic unveiled its Sustainability Academy, a learning platform designed to equip businesses with practical Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) knowledge. The academy will offer training in renewable energy, climate-smart agriculture, water management, carbon markets and sustainability best practices.
Head of Sustainability Priscilla Were said the Bank remains focused on creating long-term value for shareholders while addressing critical social, environmental and economic challenges facing communities across the region.
“Through our sustainability agenda, we are generating strong financial returns while creating meaningful social, economic and environmental impact for the communities we serve,” she said.
The results underscore Stanbic’s growing role in advancing sustainable development, financial inclusion and economic transformation across East Africa.
