Equity Group Holdings has signed an agreement with the International Trade Centre (ITC) aiming to support economic development across East Africa, targeting MSMEs in the coffee, leather and creative industries.
The collaboration brings together ITC’s expertise and Equity Group’s financial infrastructure as well as its Africa Recovery and Resilience Plan, to support sectors considered as key drivers of employment, foreign exchange earnings and industrial growth.
“We know that access to finance is critical for small businesses, but it has to be matched with the right skills to use it effectively. That’s why we are partnering with Equity Bank to ensure small businesses across East Africa can tap both financing and trade expertise to move up the value chain and compete in global markets, from leather to the creative industries,” said Pamela Coke-Hamilton, ITC Executive Director.
On his part, Equity Group Holdings Managing Director and CEO Dr. James Mwangi noted the partnership will enhance access to finance, trade intelligence and market intelligence to promote regional trade and industrial growth, while unlocking opportunities for African entrepreneurs and MSMEs.
“By combining access to finance, trade intelligence, capacity building, and market linkages, we are building an ecosystem that enables MSMEs in coffee, leather, and the creative economy to scale sustainability and compete globally,” said Dr. Mwangi.
Equity Group and ITC Sectoral Collaboration
In the coffee sector, the deal is set to offer practical training on exports logistics, price risk management, specialty coffee quality and processing techniques. Equity Group and ITC will also support producers and businesses in meeting the requirements of the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), which affects coffee and leather exports entering the EU market.
In the leather sector, the deal will support the midterm review of the EAC Leather and Leather Products Strategy 2020-2030, with a focus on strengthening regional value addition.
The creative industries segment, which encompasses music, film, gaming, digital media, performing arts, fashion and crafts, will initially undertake sector mapping and market assessments before introducing business development support, market access initiatives, and tailored financing solutions.
The initiative will commence in Kenya before expanding to other East African markets from 2027.
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