The Co-operative Bank of Kenya (Co-op Bank) has been named the Winner of the Product Innovation of the Year (Africa) award at the Global SME Finance Awards 2025, hosted by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the SME Finance Forum, and endorsed by the G20 Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion (GPFI).
The recognition places Co-op Bank among the continent’s most innovative financial institutions, spotlighting its holistic approach to empowering MSMEs through tailored products, digital ecosystems, and inclusive financing models.
During the award ceremony held at The Galleria in Johannesburg, South Africa, Co-op Bank was recognised for offering a Full-Spectrum Approach to MSME Growth in the following ways;
MSME Stock Financing Solution is a flagship example, but Co-op Bank’s strategy for SMEs goes far deeper and wider. The bank has built an ecosystem that addresses working capital, payments, digital access, risk cover, and financial literacy — all tuned to the unique needs of Kenya’s MSME economy.
- Flexible credit and working capital
MSME stock financing – revolving capital aligned to sector cycles (FMCG, agro-dealers, retailers).
Digital Lending – USD 594M in e-credit disbursed in 2024 via M-Coop Cash, including USD 109.8M unsecured turnover-based loans.
Gender Inclusion – partnerships with Africa Guarantee Fund (AGF) providing up to 75% credit guarantees for women-led MSMEs.
- Seamless digital ecosystem
MSME Portal – one-stop hub for credit, learning, and support.
M-Coop Cash – mobile access for payments, loans, and transactions.
Co-op Till (Paybill 400200), ChapaPay, and Pay by Link – frictionless collection and e-commerce tools.
- Structured engagement and literacy
MSME Clinics, webinars, and in-person forums build awareness, financial discipline, and resilience.
Bronze, Silver, and Gold customer packages offer differentiated service models for 235,000+ MSMEs.
- Risk and resilience management
Embedded monitoring tools keep NPL ratios below sector averages.
Data-driven scoring ensures faster, fairer credit decisions.
Impact at scale
- 235,000+ MSMEs engaged across Kenya through segment-based packages.
- Liquidity unlocked for traders, wholesalers, agrovets, and SMEs in critical value chains.
- Low NPL performance reflecting the strength of structured lending and active portfolio management.
- Women’s enterprise growth supported by targeted guarantee-backed lending.