Victoria Commercial Bank Secures USD 7.5 Million Green Financing Facility to Support SMEs

Victoria Commercial Bank PLC (VCB) has announced the successful closure of a green financing facility with Symbiotics. Symbiotics, the leading market access platform for impact investing, has arranged a USD 7.5M investment funded by the BII Green Basket Bond, a partnership with the British International Investment, the UK’s development finance institution and impact investor.

The funds will be channeled exclusively into eligible green projects, reinforcing VCB’s commitment to driving inclusive and sustainable development. The facility supports VCB’s broader strategic ambition to expand its green loan portfolio by 20% by 2030 and strengthens the Bank’s positioning as a sustainable financial institution.

Aligned with international Green Loan Principles, the financing ensures responsible fund deployment, effective impact tracking, and adherence to robust sustainability standards. The funds will primarily support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the backbone of Kenya’s economy, by enabling their transition to a low-carbon and climate-resilient future.

Through this facility, the bank will provide tailored green financing solutions in high-impact sectors such as climate-smart agriculture, clean transportation, renewable energy, green buildings, infrastructure, and other resilience-building initiatives.

“This facility marks a significant milestone in our journey to finance a greener, more resilient future,” said Poonam Shah. “We are committed not just to providing capital, but to walking alongside our clients as they integrate sustainability into their businesses. Together, we can unlock the full potential of SMEs to drive Kenya’s transition to a climate-smart economy.”

VCB is fully committed to aligning its lending with Kenya’s Green Finance Taxonomy (KGFT), introduced by the Central Bank of Kenya, as well as with Kenya’s revised Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC). These instruments provide the foundation for the country’s transition to allow emissions, a climate-resilient economy, and VCB is proud to play a catalytic role in advancing these national priorities.

Beyond financing, the Bank will continue to provide advisory services to clients to help them integrate sustainability into their business models and seize emerging green opportunities.

By facilitating subsidized green financing, this partnership strengthens the relationship between VCB and its customers—empowering them to grow their businesses while contributing meaningfully to Kenya’s sustainable development agenda.

This initiative is a significant step in delivering on VCB’s sustainability strategy, financing a greener future, and building a bank aligned with the principles of resilience, climate action, and inclusive economic growth.

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