Access Bank has rolled out the seventh edition of its flagship Womenpreneur Pitch-a-ton programme, an initiative aimed at empowering 120 female entrepreneurs across Africa through training, mentorship, and business grants.
The programme, officially launched during a media roundtable in Lagos on Tuesday, will equip selected women with International Finance Corporation (IFC)-certified mini-MBA training, hands-on business coaching, and access to grant funding to scale their enterprises.
Speaking at the event, Ifeoluwa Oyeyipo, Group Head of Women Banking at Access Bank, emphasized the bank’s commitment to female entrepreneurship and financial inclusion across the continent.
“Since its inception, the Womenpreneur Pitch-a-ton has trained over 878 women and disbursed grants worth $175,000. This year, we are scaling the programme to impact more women across 10 African countries where Access Bank operates,” Oyeyipo said.
Adding to this, Nene Kunle-Ogunlusi, Head of Women Banking in Nigeria, highlighted that the programme is designed not only to provide funding but also to build sustainable businesses.
“Our goal is to give women the skills, access to networks, and resources they need to thrive as entrepreneurs. This is not just about funding; it’s about building capacity and creating long-term impact,” she explained.
On her part, Chizoba Iheme, Group Head of Financial Inclusion at Access Bank, stressed the role of women-owned businesses in advancing economic development and grassroots entrepreneurship.
“This programme is helping women at the grassroots level to scale their businesses. By empowering them, we are also strengthening communities and contributing to Africa’s economic growth,” Iheme stated.
Applications for the 2025 Womenpreneur Pitch-a-ton are open until October 3, after which 120 female entrepreneurs will be shortlisted for training and mentorship. Finalists will pitch their businesses for grant prizes worth over ₦17 million, as well as opportunities for international market exposure.
Access Bank noted that this initiative reflects its broader mission to be Africa’s most respected financial institution, leveraging innovation to drive inclusion, sustainability, and growth.
