NAIROBI, Kenya- In a move that underscores the rising importance of sustainability and female leadership in Kenya’s tech space, Standard Chartered Bank Kenya has awarded Ksh 8.75 million to seven women-led startups.
This collaboration with Strathmore University’s @iBizAfrica is part of the seventh cohort of the Women in Tech Incubation Program, aimed at nurturing innovative, sustainability-focused ventures.
Themed ‘Empowering Women for a Sustainable Future,’ the award ceremony was graced by Standard Chartered CEO and Managing Director for Kenya and Africa, Kariuki Ngari, alongside other distinguished leaders.
“This cohort exemplifies the power of female-driven innovation in shaping a sustainable future,” said Ngari during the event.
His sentiments reflect the bank’s ongoing commitment to supporting female entrepreneurs who are leveraging technology to drive change.
With Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles gaining momentum across Africa, the seventh cohort emphasized ESG-driven entrepreneurship.
Women-led startups are increasingly being urged to adopt sustainable business models that align with global and national goals of People, Planet, and Profit through technological innovation.
Out of over 130 applicants, 15 startups were selected for a 12-week business incubation program. These ventures span various sectors, including agritech, health tech, bio-fuel tech, recycling, and e-commerce, each demonstrating a firm commitment to the triple bottom line of people, planet, and profit.
This year’s focus on ESG principles speaks to a growing trend: businesses are not only expected to be profitable but also socially and environmentally responsible.
During the incubation, the 15 selected startups received intensive training, covering topics like sustainability practices, financial and business modeling, product development, and ESG integration.
The rigorous judging process for the final awards was based on the startups’ ability to solve socio-economic needs in Kenya, align with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and leverage emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, and Drone Technology.
Of these, seven outstanding startups—Moma Renewable Energy, Hayah Cradle to Bloom, Zidallie, Gwiji for Women, Zaoshinani, AerialGIS, and PsychCare Clinic—were awarded funding after meeting the stringent criteria.
Since its inception, the Women in Tech Incubation Program has been instrumental in empowering women-led businesses across Kenya.
Over the past seven years, the program has received over 2,250 applications, graduating 64 women-led startups, with 32 of them receiving seed funding.
Each recipient has been awarded Ksh 1.25 million, enabling them to scale their businesses, expand their impact, and contribute to a sustainable future.
