The Co‑operative Bank of Kenya has been recognised as SME Bank of the Year in Africa, underscoring its growing influence as one of the continent’s leading financiers of small and medium‑sized enterprises.
The award was presented during the 20th African Banker Awards held on the sidelines of the African Development Bank (AfDB) Annual Meetings in Brazzaville, Congo. The awards celebrate excellence, innovation and resilience across Africa’s financial services sector, honouring institutions and individuals driving transformation in banking.
Co‑operative Bank stood out among a competitive field of nominees for its strong contribution to SME financing and economic empowerment, particularly in Kenya and the wider East African region. The recognition highlights the lender’s role in advancing financial inclusion and supporting entrepreneurship at a time when SMEs remain central to job creation and economic growth.
The award comes on the back of robust financial results for the year ended December 2025, when the bank reported a 16.9 per cent rise in net profit to Sh29.75 billion. Loans and advances also grew to Sh421 billion, reflecting deepened support for SMEs as banks accelerated lending to the sector.
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Data shows Co‑operative Bank disbursed billions of shillings to micro, small and medium enterprises in 2025, cementing its position as one of Kenya’s leading SME financiers.
Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Gideon Muriuki said the award validates the bank’s long‑standing commitment to entrepreneurs. “We remain dedicated to walking alongside entrepreneurs, the true engine of job creation and inclusive economic growth, to unlock prosperity for millions of Kenyans and our neighbours in the region,” he said.
The bank’s recognition at the African Banker Awards adds to its growing list of honours. In 2025, Co‑operative Bank also won the SME Financier of the Year Africa-Gold award and the Product Innovation of the Year (Africa) title at the Global SME Finance Awards, further cementing its reputation as a champion of enterprise growth and innovation.
By Masaki Enock
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