UNCDF Deploys $3.11M Guarantees via Kenyan Banks

In Short

The United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) has deployed portfolio guarantees totaling USD 3.11 million through Absa Bank Kenya and Co-operative Bank of Kenya. The aim is to expand financing for solar-powered cold storage infrastructure in Kenya.

What Happened: How UNCDF Is Using Risk Sharing For Cold Storage

UNCDF said the USD 3.11 million was deployed as portfolio guarantees via Absa Bank Kenya and Co-operative Bank of Kenya.

A portfolio guarantee is a type of risk-sharing tool where a third party agrees to cover some losses on a group of loans, so lenders can issue more loans with less downside.

UNCDF said the risk-sharing facilities will help open up financing for climate-smart cold storage infrastructure. It also said the facilities will help strengthen agricultural value chains across Kenya.

Why It Matters

Cold storage financing can be hard to access because the equipment is expensive and lenders may see it as risky.

By using portfolio guarantees with Absa Bank Kenya and Co-operative Bank of Kenya, UNCDF is backing lending activity through banks that already have distribution, credit teams, and existing customer relationships.

UNCDF is positioning the guarantees as a way to move capital into solar-powered cold storage, which it framed as climate-smart infrastructure tied to agriculture and value chain performance in Kenya.