Access Bank Plc, one of Africa’s leading banks,
has reinforced its dedication to advancing women’s empowerment across Southern
Africa with the relaunch of its ‘W’ Initiative in Zambia and Botswana. The ‘W’
Initiative, which provides a wide array of financial services and support
programs specifically designed for women, is a key component of Access Bank’s
broader strategy to drive financial inclusion and foster socio-economic growth
in the region.
The revamped ‘W’ Initiative aims to provide
financial services for women by offering customised solutions such as savings
and investment products, business loans, and mentorship programs. In addition
to these services, the initiative also promotes financial literacy and provides
opportunities for professional growth. During the event in Zambia, Chizoma Okoli,
Deputy Managing Director of Access Bank Plc, highlighted the importance of
initiatives like these for empowering women.
“Empowering women is a cornerstone of Access Bank’s mission to drive economic growth across Africa. Through the ‘W’ Initiative, we aim to provide tailored financial solutions while also fostering environments that encourage women to thrive in all areas of life – whether as business owners, professionals, or leaders in their communities,” she said.
Okoli held discussions with key stakeholders,
including Vice President of Zambia, Mrs. W.K. Mutala Nalumango, to explore
strategies for creating an enabling environment for Zambian women. Access Bank
Zambia also pledged a donation of K500,000 towards nutritional programs in the
Vice President’s office, further demonstrating the Bank’s commitment to
community welfare.
Nalumango highlighted the vital role women play in
the nation's economic development. “It is crucial for women to recognise the
value they bring to the table and to be vocal about their accomplishments,” she
stated. She also emphasised the importance of self-promotion and self-advocacy,
particularly for women and girls, while commending Access Bank's efforts to
support women through initiatives like the ‘W’ Initiative.
Meanwhile, in Botswana, Access Bank’s relaunched ‘W’
Initiative set a new benchmark for women’s financial empowerment in the
country. Sheperd Aisam, Managing Director of Access Bank Botswana, described
the Initiative as a “transformative platform” offering tailored financial
products and services that cater to the unique needs of women. The initiative in
Botswana will introduce solutions such as vacation, health, and educational
loans, as well as high-interest savings accounts designed for long-term wealth
building.
“We are proud to launch the ‘W’ Initiative in
Botswana, which is designed not only to provide financial products but also to
equip women with the tools, resources, and networks they need to achieve
personal and professional success,” said Aisam. “Access Bank is committed to
inspiring and empowering women across all sectors of society.”
Over the past 17 years, Access Bank has
consistently demonstrated its commitment to gender equality and women's
economic empowerment, expending over N338.6 billion in financing for over 3.6
million women. The ‘W’ Health Loan, the new umbrella product for all health
loans available under the W Initiative comes in 3 variants. One of these
variants is the Maternal Health Service Support (MHSS) – a flagship product
designed to provide discounted financing for fertility procedures, natal
support and specialized procedures peculiar to women.
The MHSS, which is currently present in Nigeria,
Ghana, Rwanda, Mozambique and Zambia, is positioned to help women and families
overcome barriers to good health and wellbeing. Often referred to as the ‘baby
making product’, the MHSS is a premier product in Africa which has impacted
over 160 women and families with access to finance on various health procedures
worth N245.5 million as well as birthed 104 babies through the discounted
health financing scheme. The 2 additional health loan variants cover medical
emergencies and cancer treatments.
Running in 12 countries across Africa, the ‘W’
Initiative stands as a testament to Access Bank's broader commitment to women's
empowerment across Africa, ensuring that more women can access financial
opportunities that propel them towards success.
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| L-R: Helen Lunda, Executive Director, Public Sector and Corporate Banking, Access Bank Zambia; Chizoma Okoli, Deputy Managing Director, Access Bank Plc; Vice President of Zambia, W.K. Mutala Nalumango; Lishala Situmbeko, Country Managing Director, Access Bank Zambia, and Abiodun Olubitan, Group Head, Women Banking, Access Bank Plc during the visit of Access Bank to the Vice President in Lusaka, Zambia.... recently. |
Access
Bank, a wholly owned subsidiary of Access Holdings Plc, is a leading
full-service commercial bank operating through a network of more than 700
branches and service outlets spanning 3 continents, 23 countries and over 60
million customers. The Bank employs over 28,000 people in its operations in
Africa and Europe, with representative offices in China, Lebanon, India, and
the UAE.
Access
Bank’s parent company, Access Holdings Plc, has been listed on the Nigerian
Stock Exchange since 1998. The Bank is a diversified financial institution
which combines a strong retail customer franchise and digital platform with
deep corporate banking expertise, proven risk management and capital management
capabilities. The Bank services its various markets through three key business
segments: Corporate and Investment Banking, Commercial Banking, and
Retail Banking. The Bank has enjoyed what is arguably Africa’s most
successful banking growth trajectory in the last 18 years, becoming one of the
continent’s largest retail banks.
As
part of its continued growth strategy, Access Bank is focused on mainstreaming
sustainable business practices into its operations. The Bank strives to deliver
sustainable economic growth that is profitable, environmentally responsible,
and socially relevant, helping customers to access more and achieve their
dreams.
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