For a woman building a livelihood, mobility is not simply about getting from one place to another. It can shape how she works, how much ground her business can cover and, ultimately, whether she has the opportunity to build something of her own.

That is the thinking behind Women in Motion, a Fortune Credit initiative committed to financing 3,000 electric motorcycles for women over the next year.

Photos from the Women in Motion launch

But the motorcycle is only part of the story. The bigger question is: what would it take to make ownership feel possible for more women?

Making ownership more accessible

Women across Kenya are already building businesses, supporting families, creating income and contributing to the economy in countless ways.

The challenge is often not ambition. It is access to the assets and financial tools that can help turn that ambition into something tangible.

Women in Motion responds to that gap by lowering the initial barrier to ownership. Women can access an electric motorcycle with a KSh 10,000 deposit, with financing from as low as KSh 288 per day.

For those who choose the smartphone option, financing starts at approximately KSh 295 per day, with a smartphone included.

The numbers are important because affordability can determine whether an asset remains an aspiration or becomes something a person can realistically work towards owning.

And ownership matters.

An electric motorcycle can be more than transport. It can be a productive asset that helps a woman reach customers, make deliveries, access markets, reduce dependence on costly transport and create greater flexibility around how she works.

Designed around the woman, not just the asset

Women in Motion also asks a different question from traditional asset financing: what happens when we design around the realities of the person who owns the asset?

That thinking is reflected in the Fortune Malkia Cover.

The cover includes a three-day monthly wellness payout during menstruation and three months of maternity support after childbirth. Women who choose the smartphone option will also have access to the Menara Health app, which provides personalised health insights covering women's health from menstrual health through menopause.

Alongside this, women riders receive comprehensive motor insurance, personal accident cover, credit life cover and hospital cash cover.

These offerings recognise that an income-generating asset exists within a person's wider life. A woman can be a rider, business owner, mother, caregiver and provider at the same time. Her ability to earn does not exist separately from the realities she navigates every day.

Moving forward together

That approach is only possible through collaboration.

OEMs including Spiro brings the electric mobility expertise and motorcycles. Fortune Credit provides the financing. Insurance partners like Turaco, Monarch and Geminia provide protection, AECF provides catalytic funding which supports the low deposit, while Menara Health brings health technology into the journey.

Each partner contributes something different, but the objective is shared: making access to productive assets and the opportunities around them more practical for women.

And that thinking is captured in the six promises at the heart of Women in Motion: Access. Move. Earn. Build. Protect. Connect.

Access — starting with a KSh 10,000 deposit, making the path to ownership more attainable.

Move — with an electric motorcycle that gives her the mobility to get to work, reach customers and move her business forward.

Earn — by putting a productive asset in her hands, one she can use to generate income as she works towards ownership.

Build — with financial support and knowledge that can help her build beyond the immediate opportunity and towards greater financial security.

Protect — through motor insurance, personal accident cover, credit life cover, hospital cash and the Fortune Malkia Cover, recognising that protecting the woman and the asset are both part of responsible financing.

Connect — through the smartphone option and digital tools such as Menara Health, giving her access to information and technology that can support her beyond the motorcycle.

These six promises reflect a broader idea about what financial inclusion can look like. It is not simply about giving someone access to finance. It is about thinking through what happens before ownership, during ownership and when life inevitably gets in the way.

That is the road Women in Motion is trying to make more possible, one Malkia at a time.

The post The Road to Ownership: Why Women in Motion Is About More Than a Motorcycle appeared first on Fortune Credit.

They say behind every smile is a story and for sure, behind this smile as I hold my Africa's Business Heroes trophy is a story of almost not applying, because it felt safer not to be seen, judged, and measured.

But I am courageous. I’ve never been one to back down, so I applied anyway.

I was selected among the Top 50 out of more than 32,000 entrepreneurs across Africa… then Top 20… and then Top 10. In between were rounds, interviews, and pitches. And in one of those pitches, I didn’t even finish within the stipulated time. I walked off that stage convinced that was the end for me.

But it wasn’t.

And that’s the power of impact. It speaks even when you feel like you haven’t done enough. And clearly, it cannot be ignored.

When I started Fortune Credit, my goal was simple: to impact lives financially for those who often feel unseen. That’s what our tagline carries: ‘Delivering Dreams.’

Thanks to Africa’s Business Heroes Competition and this recognition, I’m reminded of why I started.

I’m reminded of the lives we’ve touched. The small businesses that kept going because someone believed in them. The families whose stories changed because access to credit became access to dignity. I’m reminded of how far we’ve come.

And it’s not just me anymore, the world sees it too: customers, investors, partners, staff. They know Fortune Credit, which means even more lives will be reached, and even more stories will be changed.

This recognition has given me even more motivation to keep going. It’s a reminder that being seen is not about me. It’s about the impact that gets amplified because of it.

My ABH experience has positively transformed both me and my business.
If you’ve been sitting on the edge, unsure if you’re “ready”, this is your sign.

The post Janet Kuteli, Our Founder and CEO, Shares her ABH Experience appeared first on Fortune Credit.

Why Eldoret Matters

Eldoret stands as one of Kenya’s most vibrant economic centers. Located in Uasin Gishu County, the region contributes approximately 2.3% of Kenya’s GDP, with agriculture accounting for nearly 39% of that economic activity. From smallholder farmers to traders, transport operators, and growing SMEs, Eldoret is a powerhouse of opportunity and enterprise.

Yet, despite its economic potential, many individuals and businesses in the region still face challenges accessing affordable, reliable financial services tailored to their needs. This is the gap Fortune Credit is stepping in to bridge.

What This Expansion Means for the Community

With the opening of our Eldoret branch, we are now better positioned to support:

• Smallholder farmers seeking capital for farm inputs, solar irrigation, dairy operations, and climate-smart technologies. 
• Entrepreneurs and SMEs looking to expand or stabilize their businesses. 
• Boda boda riders and mobility operators who rely on accessible financing to power their livelihoods. 
• Families and households in need of convenient, dependable financial services. 

Our presence in Eldoret will enable us to continue delivering flexible, affordable, and responsible credit solutions backed by financial literacy training and embedded risk protection — the pillars that define our approach to inclusive finance.

Strengthening Communities, One Customer at a Time

We recognize that economic growth begins with empowered individuals. By bringing our services closer to the heart of the Rift Valley, we aim to build stronger, more resilient communities — where entrepreneurs thrive, farmers increase productivity, and families achieve their financial goals.

A Thank You to the Eldoret Community

This achievement would not be possible without the support of our clients, partners, and the wider Eldoret community. We are honored to begin this new chapter with you and look forward to delivering meaningful impact for years to come.

Here’s to greater inclusion, stronger partnerships, and to delivering dreams across Kenya.

The post Fortune Credit Expands to Eldoret: Deepening Financial Inclusion in the Rift Valley appeared first on Fortune Credit.

At Fortune Credit, we believe that educated farmers are empowered borrowers  they make informed financial decisions, manage risks more effectively, and build resilient farms that sustain livelihoods and strengthen Kenya’s food systems.

Why This Matters:

• Over 70% of Kenya’s rural population depends on agriculture for their livelihoods.
• In regions like Machakos, where annual rainfall averages below 800mm, farmers often face prolonged dry spells and reduced yields.
• Access to solar irrigation and proper agronomic training can increase productivity by 2–3 times, allowing farmers to produce consistently throughout the year.

By equipping farmers with both financial literacy and sustainable technologies, we’re not just lending — we’re building knowledge, resilience, and opportunity for every farmer we serve.

The post Educated Borrowers, Empowered Farmers: Building Knowledge and Resilience in Machakos appeared first on Fortune Credit.

On Tuesday, October 28th, 2025, Fortune Credit was honored to host the team from Envest Microfinance, led by their CEO Jon Bishop, together with members of their senior investment team, at our offices in Nairobi. The visit was a wonderful opportunity to reconnect, reflect, and celebrate the journey we have shared toward expanding financial inclusion across Kenya.

A Partnership Built on Shared Purpose

In 2021, Envest Microfinance placed their confidence in Fortune Credit’s mission to empower underserved communities by offering affordable and inclusive financial solutions that truly transform lives.

As our first international investment partner, Envest’s support came at a crucial moment in our growth. Their belief in our vision to uplift marginalized and low-income populations, including women, youth, and rural entrepreneurs, laid the foundation for a partnership grounded in trust, collaboration, and long-term impact.

Transforming Lives Through Impact

Four years later, the results of this partnership can be seen across the communities we serve.

🌾 62% of our portfolio now supports women entrepreneurs, helping them grow businesses, support their families, and strengthen their communities.
 💡 24% of our financing goes to youth-led enterprises, inspiring innovation and creating jobs for Kenya’s growing youth population.
 🏡 54% of our clients live in rural areas, where access to financial services is often limited.

These numbers tell powerful stories of resilience and progress. They represent lives changed and communities strengthened through access to fair and reliable financial solutions.

Gratitude and Continued Collaboration

We are deeply grateful to Envest Microfinance and to all our investors and partners who continue to walk this journey with us. Your commitment and belief in our work have made it possible to bring opportunity and hope to those who need it most.

Together, we continue to prove that when purpose-driven institutions work side by side, real transformation happens — one entrepreneur, one household, and one community at a time.

The post Envest Microfinance Visits Fortune Credit to Celebrate Four Years of Impactful Partnership appeared first on Fortune Credit.

The annual report is the world’s largest global benchmark built entirely on microfinance client feedback, capturing insights from more than 24,450 clients across 39 countries. This recognition highlights our ongoing commitment to listening to our clients and ensuring that their voices shape how we design and deliver financial solutions.

Insights That Matter

The 2025 report highlights key findings that reflect the evolving needs and realities of microfinance clients worldwide:

📈 Planned borrowing leads to stronger outcomes, helping clients achieve their financial goals more effectively.
🤝 Vulnerable clients benefit most when credit is paired with additional services such as training and business support.
📱 Digital-only delivery underperforms, showing that human connection and personal engagement still makes a real difference.
💬 Clear loan terms improve both repayment rates and overall client satisfaction.
👩‍👧 Women define success not only through increased income but also through the broader well-being of their households.

These insights align closely with our mission to provide inclusive and impactful financial solutions that empower individuals and communities to thrive.

Putting Client Voices at the Center

At Fortune Credit, we believe that real progress begins with understanding the people we serve. Every story, every experience, and every piece of feedback from our clients helps us grow and refine our approach to financial inclusion.

We remain committed to keeping client voices at the heart of our decisions as we continue to innovate and expand our impact.

🔗 Explore the full report: https://lnkd.in/eGzgudmV
 🏅 See top performers from this year’s Index: https://60decibels.com/mfi-awards

The post Fortune Credit Featured in 60 Decibels’ 2025 Microfinance Index appeared first on Fortune Credit.

On Tuesday, October 21st, 2025, Fortune Credit was honored to host the team from HASAL Microfinance Bank Ltd of Nigeria at our offices in Nairobi. The visit followed our participation in the recently concluded SAM Week 2025, a key event in Africa’s inclusive finance calendar.

The meeting was a vibrant exchange between East and West Africa, bringing together shared experiences, innovations, and lessons that are helping to shape the future of inclusive finance across the continent.

Strengthening Collaboration Across Borders

The HASAL team’s visit highlighted how collaboration and shared learning can drive meaningful progress in financial inclusion. They were particularly impressed by Fortune Credit’s innovative approach, which has enabled us to reach over 12,000 smallholder farmers with access to credit, markets, and financial literacy.

Together, our teams explored opportunities to leverage technology, strategic partnerships, and climate-smart solutions to better serve underserved communities and strengthen resilience in the face of economic and environmental challenges.

Looking Ahead

We look forward to building on this partnership and visiting Nigeria soon to continue learning, sharing, and co-creating even stronger pathways for inclusive finance and community empowerment.

We also take this opportunity to congratulate HASAL Microfinance Bank on celebrating 17 years of impact in advancing financial inclusion and supporting small businesses across Nigeria.

The post Fortune Credit and HASAL Microfinance Bank Strengthen Cross-Border Collaboration for Inclusive Finance appeared first on Fortune Credit.

Key Discussions

Participants engaged in dynamic discussions covering:

✅ How financial and non-financial services must work hand in hand
✅ Using client voices to shape impactful products
✅ Unlocking opportunities for migrants, gig workers, millennials, and climate-affected farmers
✅ Turning data into evidence to influence systems and change minds
✅ Balancing commercial performance with meaningful results, and seeing that tension as a positive

Meaningful connections were made, reflecting a strong commitment to improving the livelihoods of the most vulnerable populations.

Key Insight: The State of Inclusive Green Finance

The sessions highlighted the power of policy, partnerships, digitization, and capacity building in scaling impact:

✅ 36 policy changes already in place
🌍 58 developing countries engaged
🏛️ 69 institutions across 63 countries represented
🎓 448 regulators trained to create enabling environments
📚 22 knowledge products shared for learning
💡 14 implementation grants and 12 technical support projects driving innovation on the ground

Plenary Highlight

“Adapting Without Drifting – Reclaiming the Client Focus in Inclusive Finance”
Speakers: Laura Foschi, Curtis Musembi, David Mukaru, Raliat Sunmonu, and David Berno

Key takeaways included:

🔹 Listen first, co-design later — even for digital solutions
🔹 Building algorithms carefully matters for inclusion
🔹 Regulation should protect, not marginalize
🔹 Use data to build evidence and advocate for change
🔹 Collaboration and alignment are essential for solving complex problems
🔹 Focus on impact opportunities rather than challenges

Looking Ahead

Fortune Credit looks forward to connecting with innovators building digital tools for inclusion and investment partners ready to catalyze impact at the Investors Fair and Innovators Village during Days 4 and 5 of SAM 2025.

At Fortune Credit, we succeed because of our inclusive DNA: women-led, youth-driven, and climate-smart.

Asante Sana to everyone driving these important conversations.
Fortune Credit Team

The post Day 3 at Africa Microfinance Week 2025 Highlights Inclusive Finance in Action appeared first on Fortune Credit.

Hosting the Luxembourg Ministerial Delegation

In the afternoon, Fortune Credit had the honor of hosting the Ministerial Delegation from the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, led by H.E. Xavier Bettel, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Trade and Foreign Affairs, at the warehouse of our embedded finance partner, Taimba Limited.

Taimba Limited is a digital B2B platform connecting smallholder farmers to urban retail markets. Through our embedded finance partnership:

✅ Farmers access working capital and farm input loans via our agrodealer network
✅ Farmers receive crop insurance to build resilience against climate shocks
✅ Farmers benefit from capacity building for sustainable farming
✅ Urban vendors access inventory credit on demand to increase their basket size and repay after selling produce

Powered by SSNUP and Luxembourg’s Commitment

Through the Smallholder Safety Net Upscaling Programme (SSNUP)—funded by the Government of Luxembourg and supported by partners including Oikocredit, ADA, and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation—Fortune Credit has developed innovative finance solutions tailored to the daily realities of low-income, vulnerable segments.

Our advanced scoring models use alternative data such as delivery and purchase history, mobile money transactions, farm yield records, weather and climate risk data, and consistency of orders and repayments. These tools enable farmers and traders with limited collateral to access fair, reliable financing and build long-term resilience.

Real Stories, Real Impact

The delegation interacted directly with a smallholder farmer and a small-scale urban trader. Both shared inspiring stories of growth, empowerment, and how this ecosystem-based finance model is transforming their lives.

And yes—the Minister even tasted our organic farm-produced bananas and loved them! 🍌

A Shared Vision for the Future

The delegation applauded the initiative, especially our collaborative efforts to support vulnerable and climate-affected communities, and expressed excitement to continue supporting the program.

What’s Next?

With the tools and scoring models developed under SSNUP, our next mission is clear:

🚀 Empower more than 1,000,000 smallholder farmers and traders with tailored, data-driven, climate-resilient finance solutions

🎥 Stay tuned for exclusive interview videos from the visit, featuring the delegation, our partners, and the beneficiaries at the heart of this ecosystem.

The post Day 2 at Africa Microfinance Week 2025: Partnership, Innovation, and Real Impact appeared first on Fortune Credit.

Driving Impact Through SSNUP

With the invaluable support of SSNUP and its implementing partners, Fortune Credit has rolled out technical assistance initiatives that have enabled us to:

🌾 Develop need-driven, value-chain-focused methodologies to better assess and credit-score smallholder farmers
💡 De-risk the agricultural value chain through customized financing solutions addressing farmers’ daily challenges
🌍 Scale our agricultural financing proposition to serve this critical yet underserved

“Fortune Credit is building the financial powerhouse for smallholder farmers in Africa. With SSNUP's support, we aim to reach even more farmers beyond the 12,000+ who are currently benefiting from our credit, microinsurance, and financial literacy solutions. Fortune Credit wins every day because of our inclusive DNA.”
— Janet Kuteli, CEO, Fortune Credit

Global Impact of SSNUP

Across the globe, SSNUP’s impact speaks volumes, reaching 562,000+ smallholder farmers directly and over 1 million indirectly, through 119 projects in 35 countries, supporting 228 beneficiary organizations, 94 agri-SMEs, and 9 impact investors championing inclusive agri-finance.

We are grateful to our partners for empowering us to strengthen the resilience of smallholder farmers, the backbone of our economies.

Join Us in Building Resilience

We invite like-minded partners, investors, aggregators, development agencies, and policymakers to join us on this journey of building opportunity and resilience for smallholder farmers across Africa.

🔗 Learn more about SSNUP: www.ssnup.org

We look forward to Day 2 and a week filled with actionable insights and collaborations that continue to drive impact where it matters most. 🌱

The post Day 1 at Africa Microfinance Week 2025: Showcasing Impact and Building Resilience appeared first on Fortune Credit.