Nairobi-based Atlantis Life Science, a key player in Kenya’s animal health and agricultural sector, is setting the stage for a significant regional expansion into Uganda and Tanzania. This strategic move aims to solidify its footprint in East Africa, building on nearly a decade of steady growth powered by a crucial financing partnership.

The planned expansion represents a pivotal moment for the company, known for supplying veterinary products, cattle genetics, and pest control solutions. For Kenyan farmers and households, this growth signals a maturing local enterprise poised to compete on a larger scale, potentially leading to more robust agricultural supply chains and increased food security—a cornerstone of the nation's economic agenda.

The Engine Room: A Partnership Approach to Growth

Since its inception in 2017, Atlantis Life Science has navigated the challenging terrain of business financing through a close relationship with the Co-operative Bank of Kenya. Chief Operations Officer, Ms. Lena Nyaga, recalled the company's modest beginnings, stating, “When we started back in March 2017, we didn't have a vehicle. We operated from a small office that could only accommodate one employee.”

The bank's initial support provided the company with its first vehicle, a critical asset for a firm built on distribution. This partnership has since evolved into a comprehensive financial ecosystem. Co-operative Bank now provides Atlantis with vital trade financing instruments, including letters of credit for international imports, working capital, and import duty financing. “For any business, whether small or large, the right financial partner is critical because it's through financing that you unlock the scale of the business you're envisioning,” Ms. Nyaga emphasized.

This financial backing is further strengthened by the African Guarantee Fund (AGF), which provides a credit line that effectively doubles the company's borrowing capacity from Co-operative Bank. This three-way partnership mitigates risk and allows for more ambitious growth, a model that many Kenyan SMEs aspire to.

From Humble Beginnings to Regional Ambitions

The impact of this sustained financial support is evident in the company's trajectory. From a single motorbike and a small office, Atlantis now operates two facilities of around 6,700 square feet each and manages a fleet of 25 vehicles and 11 motorbikes. The company's import volumes have surged dramatically, from shipping 800 litres across four initial products to an average of 100,000 litres per product today.

While a specific timeline for the move into Uganda and Tanzania has not been disclosed, the company's leadership has set a clear long-term goal: to become the market leader in Kenya and the broader region within the next 10 to 15 years. This ambition aligns with the significant growth projected for the East African healthcare and agricultural sectors, which are expected to nearly double in value in the coming years.

• Company Inception: March 2017
• Initial Operations: Small office, one motorbike
• Key Financier: Co-operative Bank of Kenya
• Supporting Partner: African Guarantee Fund (AGF)
• Expansion Targets: Uganda and Tanzania
• Core Business: Animal health, nutrition, pest control, and cattle genetics.

Analysts note that the success of SMEs like Atlantis is crucial for Kenya's economic future, creating jobs and strengthening key sectors. Co-operative Bank has recently secured significant international funding, including a $140 million (approx. KES 18.1 billion) facility from the IFC, specifically to bolster its lending to small businesses. This commitment to SME financing provides a supportive backdrop for Atlantis's regional aspirations.

As Atlantis Life Science prepares for its next chapter, its journey from a small startup to a regional contender offers a compelling blueprint for Kenyan businesses. It underscores the transformative power of strategic financial partnerships in turning local ambition into cross-border success. Ms. Nyaga noted, “The Atlantis journey...has been possible because Co-op Bank came on board.”