Unlocking Finance for Women-Led MSMEs
Access to finance remains one of the most persistent barriers facing micro, small, and medium enterprises across Africa, particularly those led by women. On 23 June 2026, WE4D in partnership with WE4A, GIZ, IYBA-SEED Kenya, and C4E, is bringing together development practitioners, technical advisors, and ecosystem stakeholders for a focused two-hour knowledge exchange designed to bridge that gap.
The session will surface emerging financing trends, showcase investor readiness models drawn from real sectors, and explore the untapped potential of Blue Economy financing, all with a view to strengthening coordinated, inclusive action for MSME finance.
The speakers
- Luis Bosch, IYBA-SEED Kenya, GIZ
- Nancy Mungai,
- Fidel Wambiya
- Joshwa Tambo, IYBA-SEED Kenya, GIZ- Moderator
Who Is This For and What We'll Cover?
This event is designed for WE4D, WE4A, GIZ Technical Advisors, IYBA-SEED PMU, and ecosystem stakeholders working on access to finance, enterprise development, and inclusive economic growth.
Three interconnected themes will anchor the session, each grounded in current programme experience:
1. Reflections from the NEDA Conference 2026
Financial Sector Working Group What are the most important takeaways from the 2026 NEDA Conference for MSME financing? This segment will share key updates from the Financial Sector Working Group, highlight emerging trends and opportunities, and draw out lessons relevant to GIZ and ecosystem partners.
2. Investor Readiness for Medium Enterprises
A Case Study Drawing from the C4E project's work in the essential oils and leather sectors, this presentation will walk through the barriers medium enterprises face in accessing finance, the technical assistance models being applied, and practical approaches to strengthening investor readiness for SMEs.
3. Blue Finance and the Blue Economy
An exploration of financing opportunities within the blue economy ecosystem, including innovative and inclusive financing models, and what they mean for enterprise growth in coastal and marine sectors.
Agenda
11:00 – Welcome and Introductions
11:05 – Reflections from the NEDA Conference 2026
11:30 – Q&A and Reflections
11:40 – Investor Readiness: Essential Oils and Leather Sectors
12:15 – Q&A and Reflections
12:30 – Blue Finance and the Blue Economy
12:50 – Q&A and Reflections
13:05 – Open Exchange and Discussion — Coordinated Joint Actions
13:20 – Way Forward and Closing
The objectives?
By the end of the session, participants will leave with:
• Shared insights from the NEDA Conference 2026 Financial Sector Working Group and their implications for inclusive MSME financing.
• Increased knowledge on investor readiness support models for medium enterprises, with case studies from the essential oils, leather, and Blue Economy sectors.
• Documented lessons, reflections, and proposed next steps for inclusive and sustainable access-to-finance interventions.
Date: June 23, 2026
Time: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM East Africa Time (EAT)
Language: English
