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Access Bank, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), and Zambia’s Vice President, Mutale Nalumango, among other stakeholders, have reiterated the need for women to take ownership of their economic power and drive financial inclusion for sustainable prosperity.
Speaking at the Access Bank International Women’s Day Conference in Lagos, the stakeholders emphasized that gender inclusivity is crucial for economic growth and called for decisive policies, corporate accountability, and personal commitment to eliminate systemic barriers hindering women’s full participation in the economy.
The bank also celebrated its ‘Power of 100’ initiative, which honours and supports 100 exceptional women across Africa who have demonstrated leadership, resilience, and impact in their respective fields. Addressing the conference, Zambia’s Vice President, Mutale Nalumango, stressed that empowering women is not only a moral imperative but also a key driver of economic progress. She highlighted the need for women to have active decision-making roles, stating, “We need to ensure that women are not just invited to the table but have an active voice in decision-making. The economic benefits of gender inclusivity are undeniable, and it is time to move from conversations to action.” She further noted that societies investing in women tend to experience stronger economic growth, lower poverty rates, and improved social outcomes.
Access Bank reaffirmed its commitment to bridging the gender gap through strategic interventions like the ‘Power of 100.’ In her address, the bank’s Deputy Managing Director, Chizoma Okoli, highlighted various initiatives aimed at supporting women entrepreneurs and professionals.
“We recognize that financial independence is a significant enabler for women. That is why we have continued to roll out programs such as the ‘W Initiative’ and the ‘Womenpreneur Pitch-a-ton Africa,’ which, alongside the ‘Power of 100,’ have provided funding, training, and networking opportunities for thousands of women across the continent,” Okoli said.
Furthermore, IFC’s Regional Director for Central Africa and Anglophone West Africa, Dahlia Khalifa, shed light on the economic impact of gender inclusion. She noted that IFC’s partnership with Access Bank has been pivotal in addressing these gaps through the W Initiative.
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She said, “Access Bank is one of IFC’s most committed and consistent partners in the region, with a relationship spanning more than two decades. Together, we’ve gone beyond financing. IFC has provided strategic advisory services to help the bank better serve women through gender-intentional product design, customer segmentation, and staff training.
“One of the most impactful examples is Access Bank’s W Initiative, which delivers tailored products, capacity-building programs, and mentorship to women-led businesses. Since its inception, this initiative has mobilized over N370 billion in financing, reaching about four million women-owned SMEs and individuals. That’s four million and counting.
“Our partnership also extends to driving systemic change through the Nigeria2Equal programme. So, let’s get to work, mobilizing capital, innovation, and partnerships to ensure that every woman has the chance to lead, grow, and thrive,” she concluded.
Similarly, Bolaji Agbede, Acting Group Managing Director/CEO of Access Holdings, emphasized the importance of leadership in dismantling gender stereotypes and creating inclusive environments. She noted that businesses and governments must go beyond symbolic gestures and implement policies that lead to measurable change. “The future of work is changing, and organizations must rethink how they integrate women into leadership. It is not enough to set quotas; we must create pathways that make it easier for women to ascend into decision-making roles without systemic resistance,” Agbede said.
While Access Bank has pioneered several initiatives, Agbede called on other financial institutions to follow suit and develop frameworks that foster long-term female financial independence. The role of technology in bridging the gender divide was also underscored, with experts advocating for digital solutions that enhance women’s access to financial services. “Technology is a game-changer, and digital banking presents a unique opportunity to bring more women into the financial system,” Agbede noted.
