By M&M

International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the world bank group has granted $ 50 million to Diamond Trust Bank Kenya Limited (DTB) to support small and medium enterprises hit by Covid-19 pandemic.

The funds will support DTB 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 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.

“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,” said Nasim Devji, group CEO and managing director DTB.

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.

“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 the partnership with DTB Kenya is part of IFC 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.”

IFC has earmarked $2 billion of its $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.