Co-op Bank named Africa’s top SME lender

The Co-operative Bank of Kenya has been named SME Bank of the Year in Africa at the 2026 African Banker Awards, highlighting its growing influence in financing small and medium-sized enterprises across the continent.

The award was presented during the 20th edition of the African Banker Awards held in Brazzaville, Congo, on the sidelines of the African Development Bank Annual Meetings.

Co-op Bank was recognised for its contribution to SME financing and economic empowerment, emerging ahead of a strong field of nominees from across Africa.

Speaking after receiving the award, Group Managing Director and CEO Gideon Muriuki said the recognition validates the bank’s long-standing commitment to supporting entrepreneurs.

"This recognition as the SME Bank of the Year in Africa is a powerful validation of our unique expertise and deep-rooted commitment to serving the banking needs of small and medium enterprises across the Eastern African region," said Muriuki.

The lender said the award reinforces its role as a key driver of financial inclusion and sustainable finance in Kenya and the wider East African region.

The latest accolade adds to Co-op Bank’s growing list of international honours. The bank previously won the SME Financier of the Year Africa – Gold award and the Product Innovation of the Year (Africa) title at the 2025 Global SME Finance Awards.

The African Banker Awards, organised by African Banker magazine and IC Events under the patronage of the African Development Bank, celebrate excellence, innovation and resilience in Africa’s banking and financial services sector.