By Ken Muthomi - Reporter
Kenya, 22 June 2026 - Absa Bank Kenya has partnered with Google Hustle Academy to train and offer financial support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the country over the next 12 months.
In a joint statement on Monday, the organisations said that the initiative aims to equip entrepreneurs with the necessary digital skills, financial expertise, growth strategies, and knowledge to formalise and sustainably scale their businesses.
The programme aims to benefit 3000 SMEs, and has so far rolled out 3 cohort training sessions with attendance of over 600 SMEs.
The programme is set to combine practical workshops and mentorship sessions as well as peer-to-peer mentorship opportunities to ensure entrepreneurs leave with concrete insights on how to improve their businesses.
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Welcoming the move, Absa Bank Kenya Business Banking Director Renato D’souza said that the partnership reflects the institution's commitment to empowering businesses with the tools they need to succeed.
"We are thrilled to partner with Google to bring the Hustle Academy to more Kenyan entrepreneurs. By combining Google's digital expertise with our financial solutions, we are confident that we can help SMEs formalise and grow their businesses," Renato said.
The Google Hustle Academy is a free, one-day virtual boot camp focused on scaling reach by training individuals in the latest AI-centered tools and techniques and connecting learners directly to Google products.
The participants will be taken through a structured curriculum on AI adoption and digital skills training to help them enhance and scale their business operations.
In the partnership, Absa Bank Kenya will provide participants with financial expertise and support, mentorship, and access to tailored SME banking solutions, including credit facilities, cash flow management tools, and market linkages.
Kristy Grant from the Google Hustle Academy said that the initiative also complements Google's mission to make digital skills and tools accessible to everyone, ensuring that small businesses can leverage technology to scale their operations and reach new customers.
“Our new strategy focuses on scaling reach by training individuals in the latest AI-centered tools and techniques. By doing so, we are creating a long-term pathway for growth that connects learners directly to world-class Google products,” Grant said.