I&M Bank has partnered with B Lab Africa to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles into their business operations.
The initiative is known as the Resilient Sustainable Business (RSB) programme and will begin in March 2026 and run for nine weeks. It will have both physical and virtual sessions designed to help SMEs build sustainable and resilient business models.
The programme is aimed at established SMEs with annual revenues between KES 6 million and KES 120 million and employing 10 to 100 staff.
These companies are typically beyond the early startup stage and are looking to scale operations, expand into new markets, and strengthen internal systems.
The programme seeks to support businesses that are ready to transition toward sustainable growth and stronger governance frameworks.
According to Shameer Patel, the partnership reflects the bank’s broader strategy of supporting SMEs beyond traditional financing.
“We continue to empower our SME clients through this collaboration with B Lab Africa,” Patel said. “We are deliberately investing in stronger and more resilient businesses so they can adapt to shifting markets and create sustainable value.”
The programme is expected to help SMEs improve operational resilience while unlocking opportunities for inclusive and sustainable growth.
For Lucy Muigai, the collaboration reflects a broader shift toward responsible business practices across the continent.
“This partnership reflects a growing movement across Africa,” she said. “By embedding ESG at the heart of SME operations, we build an inclusive and regenerative economic system.”
Muigai added that businesses increasingly need to measure success beyond profit by considering environmental and social impact alongside financial performance.
The RSB programme focuses on sectors with strong sustainability potential, including:
- Manufacturing
- Agri-Tech
- Circular Economy businesses
- Green energy companies
- Sustainable consumer brands
Also Read: I&M Bank and Sida Launch $30 Million Green Finance Facility in Kenya
One thought on “I&M Bank Partners with B Lab Africa to Help SMEs Embed ESG in Their Operations”