Absa Bank Kenya and Google Hustle Academy have announced a strategic partnership to provide comprehensive business training and financial support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the country over the next 12 months. The programme aims to reach and impact 3,000 SMEs and has so far rolled out 3 cohort training sessions with attendance of over 600 SMEs.
The collaboration seeks to equip entrepreneurs with the necessary digital skills, financial expertise, growth strategies, and knowledge to formalise and sustainably scale their businesses.
The Google Hustle Academy is a free, one-day virtual boot camp designed to help small businesses thrive in the digital economy. The programme focuses on scaling reach by training individuals in the latest AI-centered tools and techniques and by doing so, creating a long-term pathway for growth that connects learners directly to world-class Google products. The participants are taken through a structured curriculum on AI adoption and digital skills training to help them enhance and scale their business operations.
The programme is designed to be a highly interactive programme, combining practical workshops and mentorship sessions as well as peer-to-peer mentorship opportunities to ensure entrepreneurs leave with actionable insights for their businesses.
Speaking about the partnership, Absa Bank Kenya Business Banking Director Renato D’souza, said:
“We are thrilled to partner with Google to bring the Hustle Academy to more Kenyan entrepreneurs. This partnership is a testament to our commitment to empowering businesses with the tools they need to succeed. By combining Google’s digital expertise with our financial solutions, we are confident that we can help SMEs formalise and grow their businesses.”
Through this 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. The collaboration aligns with Absa’s long-term commitment to supporting the growth and development of the SME sector, which is a key driver of the Kenyan economy, contributing to more than 30% of the country’s GDP, and remains a critical driver of job creation.
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.
On their part, Kristy Grant from the Google Hustle Academy said: “We believe that the future of Africa’s digital economy lies in the hands of individuals and entrepreneurs alike. 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.”
