Diamond Trust Bank Kenya Limited (DTB) has signed an agreement for a $50 million (Ksh5.4 billion) loan with the International Financial Corporation (IFC), the private equity wing of the World Bank Group, to support its borrowers who have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
The funds are being provided under IFC’s global $8 billion (Ksh867.5 billion) fast-track COVID-19 facility, launched in March to protect jobs and support businesses with working and trade-related capital as economies grapple with the challenges of the pandemic.
Nasim Devji, Group CEO and Managing Director DTB, said, “As an SME bank, we are aware that these businesses are among the hardest hit by the fall-out of the pandemic. This facility will enable us to support SMEs to address their cash flow challenges, which is a key concern as businesses need easy access to short-term liquidity.”
In April, the Central Bank of Kenya reported that SMEs had been hit harder than larger companies by COVID-19 in part due to their challenges accessing capital.
The World Bank Kenya Economic Update projects that Kenya’s gross domestic product will fall this year due to the negative impacts of COVID-19, underscoring the need to support the country’s smaller businesses.
“We urge our SME borrowers to take advantage of the facility to ensure their survival during these tough times, as we remain committed to their development,” Ms Devji added.
Manuel Moses, IFC Country Manager for Kenya, said IFC’s partnership with DTB Kenya is part of the global lender’s strategy to help businesses in Kenya manage the impacts of COVID-19 so they can continue providing essential goods and services and maintain jobs.
“IFC is committed to helping countries across Africa meet the unique challenges of COVID-19 and also speed the process of recovery,” said Mr. Moses.
IFC has earmarked $2 billion of its $8 billion (Ksh216.8 billion) COVID-19 facility to the IFC Working Capital Solutions Program to provide funding to emerging-market banks so they can help businesses shore up their working capital needs.
The IFC COVID-19 facility will support existing clients in the infrastructure, financial, manufacturing, agriculture, health, and other sectors vulnerable to the pandemic.
