(L-R) Shameer Patel – Director, Retail & Business Banking at I&M Bank – and Lucy Muigai – CEO of B Lab Africa – pose for a photo after signing the MoU, marking a strategic partnership to advance sustainable and impact-driven business growth.
By Peace Muthoka
Nairobi, Kenya – March 4, 2026 – I&M Bank has partnered with B Lab Africa to roll out a capacity-building programme aimed at strengthening small and medium enterprises across Kenya.
Through this collaboration, SMEs will enrol in the Resilient Sustainable Business programme, a nine-week blended learning experience designed to help businesses integrate environmental, social and governance practices into their core strategies. Notably, the fifth cohort begins in March 2026, marking another step in expanding the programme’s reach.
Specifically, the initiative targets established enterprises with annual revenues between KES 6 million and KES 120 million and a workforce of 10 to 100 employees. In other words, it focuses on businesses that have moved beyond proof of concept and are now scaling operations, expanding markets and strengthening internal systems.
By backing this programme, I&M Bank aims to empower SMEs within its ecosystem to transition toward more sustainable and resilient models. At the same time, the move reinforces the bank’s broader commitment to unlocking long-term growth in Kenya’s SME sector.
Speaking during the launch, I&M Bank Director of Retail and Business Banking Shameer Patel said the collaboration reflects the lender’s deliberate effort to invest in stronger enterprises.
“We are delighted to continue empowering our business clients through this transformative partnership with B Lab Africa. We are intentionally building resilient enterprises that can adapt to shifting market dynamics and create sustainable long-term value,” said Patel. “As a result, the programme will strengthen operational resilience while unlocking inclusive and sustainable growth opportunities.”
Meanwhile, the initiative places strong emphasis on high-impact sectors such as manufacturing, agri-tech, circular economy, green energy and sustainable consumer brands. Ultimately, it seeks to nurture a new generation of African businesses that measure success not only through profits, but also through measurable environmental and social impact.
On her part, B Lab Africa CEO Lucy Muigai said the partnership signals a growing shift toward accountability-driven business models across the continent.
“Our partnership with I&M Bank reflects a growing movement of African businesses committed to higher standards of accountability. By embedding ESG into SME operations, we are not only helping companies survive, but also shaping a more inclusive and regenerative economic system,” she said. “Therefore, these entrepreneurs represent a future where corporate success is closely tied to community wellbeing and environmental stewardship.”
In addition, participating SMEs will benefit from a hybrid learning model featuring six expert-led modules covering impact measurement, sustainable supply chains and financing sustainable practices. Beyond classroom sessions, the programme also offers bi-monthly one-on-one advisory calls to provide tailored guidance and accountability. Furthermore, participants will join a peer network of like-minded business leaders across Kenya, South Africa, Mauritius and Nigeria.
To ensure accessibility, I&M Bank will sponsor 80 percent of the participation fee, equivalent to USD 240 per participant. Consequently, each SME will contribute the remaining 20 percent, or USD 60.
Overall, the partnership underscores a shared ambition to build stronger, future-ready enterprises that can compete sustainably while driving meaningful impact across Africa.
