The Co-operative Bank, in a remarkable feat, has clinched the prestigious Overall Winner title at the Sustainable Finance Catalyst Awards 2023—an event orchestrated by none other than the Kenya Bankers Association. This marks Co-op Bank’s fourth triumph within six years, underscoring its unwavering dedication to sustainable financial practices.

The Sustainable Finance Catalyst Awards celebrate the excellence of financial institutions in promoting sustainable practices. Co-op Bank’s unwavering commitment to economic sustainability is consistently reflected through its recurring recognition. The bank emphasized this dedication with a statement: “Our fourth-time triumph within a span of six years reaffirms our pledge towards financial sustainability”.

Co-op Bank’s impressive sweep of all awards in the Sustainable Finance category sets this victory apart; it surpasses competitors and solidifies its position as a leader in sustainable banking practices.

Co-op Bank recently achieved this triumph, closely following another notable accomplishment. The Global SME Finance Forum in Mumbai, India, named the bank as Africa’s Best Financier of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in September 2023. It outshone competitors such as NMB from Tanzania to secure the Gold Award for SME Financier of the Year in Africa.

Gideon Muriuki, the CEO of Co-op Bank, expressed the institution’s collaborative efforts with IFC and other partners, stating: “In tandem with our esteemed partner, IFC, we diligently listened, studied, and constructed a highly competitive value proposition for SMEs—all aimed at supporting these enterprises in achieving their self-determined goals.”

Not only do these accolades adorn Co-op Bank’s cap with another feather, but they also bolster its position as a crucial player in promoting sustainable financial practices within the region. The bank consistently receives recognition—a testament to its continuous efforts towards alignment with global sustainability goals and contribution to Kenya’s economic growth; indeed, that of the broader African continent.