Kenya’s NCBA Bank has partnered with HEVA Fund to roll out a suite of financing products aimed at improving access to credit for artists and creative-sector enterprises, in a statement to TechMoran.
The agreement, signed during the NCBA Creative Economy Summit in Nairobi, introduces five lending products — event financing, invoice discounting, LPO financing, working-capital support and start-up incubator financing — tailored to the needs of creative businesses, including music, digital content, fashion, production and live events.
NCBA Group Managing Director John Gachora said the creative economy remains underserved by traditional lenders due to informality and irregular earnings. “Kenya’s creative economy is vibrant, but most artists and enterprises operate independently and remain unseen by financial institutions,” he said.
Under the model, NCBA and HEVA will jointly evaluate and support borrowers through a 50:50 risk-sharing structure designed to accommodate project-based and seasonal revenue patterns. HEVA, which has invested in more than 300 creative ventures over the past decade, said the deal reflects growing investor confidence in the sector.
“This partnership unlocks more capital for small and growing creative businesses and strengthens their contribution to GDP, youth employment and innovation,” said Wakiuru Njuguna, HEVA’s managing partner.
Motif Di Don, founder of Elev8 LIVE Studio — host of the event — said the collaboration offers emerging artists new pathways to professional growth. “Talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not,” he said.
Kenya’s creative industries contribute an estimated 5.3% to national GDP and support more than 300,000 entrepreneurs, though lack of financing remains one of the sector’s biggest constraints.
NCBA said the partnership aligns with its “Change the Story” sustainability agenda, which targets youth empowerment and inclusive economic growth.