The I&M Bank has partnered with B Lab Africa to roll out a new initiative aimed at strengthening the resilience and sustainability of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) across Kenya.
The collaboration will see the launch of the Resilient Sustainable Business (RSB) programme, a nine-week blended learning experience designed to equip SMEs with the expertise and tools needed to embed environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles into their core business strategies. The programme is scheduled to commence in March 2026.
Targeted at established enterprises with annual revenues between KES 6 million and KES 120 million and staff complements of between 10 and 100 employees, the RSB programme is geared towards businesses that have moved beyond proof of concept and are scaling operations, expanding market reach, and strengthening internal systems.
Through the initiative, I&M Bank aims to deepen capacity-building efforts within its SME ecosystem, supporting businesses as they transition to more resilient and sustainable operating models. The move aligns with the lender’s broader strategy to drive long-term growth in Kenya’s SME sector.
Speaking during the launch ceremony, I&M Bank Director of Retail & Business Banking, Shameer Patel, said the partnership underscores the bank’s commitment to empowering its SME clients.
“We are delighted to continue empowering our SME clients through this transformative partnership with B Lab Africa. Through this collaboration, we are intentionally investing in building stronger, more resilient SMEs that are equipped to adapt to evolving market dynamics and create sustainable long-term value. The programme will not only strengthen their operational resilience but also unlock new opportunities for inclusive and sustainable growth,” said Patel.
The initiative seeks to nurture a new generation of African enterprises that measure success not only by financial returns but also by measurable environmental and social impact. It will focus on high-impact sectors including manufacturing, agri-tech, the circular economy, green energy, and sustainable consumer brands.
B Lab Africa Chief Executive Officer Lucy Muigai said the partnership reflects a growing movement among African businesses to adopt higher standards of accountability and impact.
“Our partnership with I&M Bank is a testament to the growing movement of businesses in Africa that are committed to a higher standard of accountability. By integrating ESG into the heart of SME operations, we are not just helping individual companies survive; we are building a more inclusive and regenerative economic system across the continent. These entrepreneurs are the blueprint for a future where corporate success is inextricably linked to the wellbeing of our communities and the planet,” she said.
Participating SMEs will benefit from a hybrid learning model comprising six expert-led modules covering areas such as impact measurement, sustainable supply chains, and financing sustainable practices. The programme also includes bi-monthly one-on-one advisory calls to provide tailored guidance and accountability support.
In addition, participants will gain access to peer networking opportunities with a community of like-minded business leaders across Kenya, South Africa, Mauritius and Nigeria.
Under the cost-sharing arrangement, I&M Bank will sponsor 80 per cent of the programme cost per participant, equivalent to USD 240, while each SME will contribute the remaining 20 per cent, or USD 60.
The partnership positions both institutions at the forefront of efforts to integrate ESG principles into Africa’s SME growth story, at a time when sustainability and resilience are increasingly shaping access to markets, capital and long-term competitiveness.
