I&M Bank, B Lab Africa Launch Nine-Week ESG Programme to Build Kenya’s Next Generation of Resilient SMEs

I&M Bank has announced a partnership with B Lab Africa to upskill Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) through the Resilient Sustainable Business (RSB) program.

The RSB program run by B Lab Africa is a nine-week blended learning experience designed to equip SMEs with expert guidance needed to integrate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices into their core strategies as well as practical tools and frameworks, to build resilient, sustainable, and future-ready business models. The programme is scheduled to commence in March 2026.

The programme targets established businesses with annual revenues between KES 6 million and KES 120 million and teams of 10 to 100 employees. These are enterprises that have moved beyond proof of concept and are now scaling operations, expanding market reach, and strengthening internal infrastructure.

Through this initiative, I&M Bank aims to strengthen the capacity of SMEs within its ecosystem, supporting their transition towards more sustainable and resilient operations. The programme aligns with the Bank’s broader commitment to enabling long-term growth within Kenya’s SME sector.

Speaking during the launch ceremony, I&M Bank Director Retail & Business Banking Shameer Patel said, “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.”

The initiative aims to nurture a new generation of African businesses that measure success not only by financial returns, but also by clear environmental and social impact. It focuses on high-impact sectors such as Manufacturing, Agri-Tech, the Circular Economy, Green Energy, and Sustainable Consumer Brands.

B Lab Africa CEO, Lucy Muigai said, “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.”

Through this partnership, participating SMEs will benefit from a hybrid learning model with expert-led Modules covering six comprehensive sessions covering Impact Measurement, Sustainable Supply Chains, and Financing Sustainable Practices.

Other benefits include bi-monthly one-on-one calls to provide tailored guidance and accountability, and peer networking with a community of like-minded business leaders across Kenya, South Africa, Mauritius, and Nigeria.

I&M Bank will sponsor 80% of the programme cost per participant (USD 240), with each SME contributing the remaining 20% (USD 60).

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