Access Bank has been recognised as the Best Financier for Women Entrepreneurs in Africa at the 2025 Global SME Finance Awards, held during the Global SME Finance Forum in Johannesburg, South Africa. The awards, hosted by the SME Finance Forum and managed by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), celebrate financial institutions that deliver practical and innovative solutions to support SMEs.
The recognition reflects the Bank’s strong record of supporting women-led businesses through financial products and programmes tailored to their needs. Over the years, Access Bank has introduced a range of solutions such as the W Initiative, which provides women with access to loans, advisory services, and networking opportunities, as well as the W Power Loan and Womenpreneur Pitch-a-Ton Africa, a platform offering funding and capacity building for female entrepreneurs. These initiatives have helped thousands of women across Africa start, grow, and scale their enterprises.
Speaking at the award, Access Bank Botswana Managing Director Sheperd Aisam said,” Women are playing a key role in shaping Africa’s economies. By creating financial solutions designed for them, we aim to remove barriers and give more women the opportunity to grow their businesses. This recognition reflects the real progress being made and motivates us to continue expanding our impact.”
The Global SME Finance Awards were created to highlight institutions that bring measurable change to the SME sector. Access Bank’s award highlights its role in promoting financial inclusion for women, and its ongoing efforts to support entrepreneurship through a mix of tailored funding, mentorship, and pr
