Access Bank Plc, a leading financial institution in Africa, has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering women in Southern Africa through the relaunch of its ‘W’ Initiative in Zambia and Botswana. This initiative, which offers a range of financial services and support programs designed specifically for women, plays a pivotal role in the Bank’s broader strategy to promote financial inclusion and socio-economic growth across the region.
The revitalized ‘W’ Initiative aims to equip women with tailored financial solutions, including savings and investment products, business loans, and mentorship opportunities. Beyond these offerings, the program also fosters financial literacy and creates pathways for professional advancement.
Speaking at the relaunch event in Zambia, Chizoma Okoli, Deputy Managing Director of Access Bank Plc, emphasized the importance of such programs in driving women’s empowerment. “Empowering women is at the heart of Access Bank’s mission to stimulate economic growth throughout Africa. Through the ‘W’ Initiative, we are committed to delivering custom financial solutions that enable women to flourish as business owners, professionals, and community leaders,” Okoli said.
As part of her visit, Okoli met with Zambia’s Vice President, Mrs. W.K. Mutala Nalumango, to discuss strategies for enhancing support systems for women in the country. During the event, Access Bank Zambia pledged K500,000 towards the Vice President’s nutritional programs, underscoring the Bank’s dedication to improving community welfare.
Vice President Nalumango highlighted the critical role women play in Zambia’s economic development and encouraged women to be confident in their contributions. “Women must recognize their value and actively champion their achievements,” she said, applauding Access Bank’s efforts in fostering women’s empowerment through initiatives like the ‘W’ Initiative.
In Botswana, the relaunch of the ‘W’ Initiative has set a new benchmark for women’s financial empowerment. Sheperd Aisam, Managing Director of Access Bank Botswana, hailed the initiative as a “transformative platform” offering women specialized financial products and services. The initiative will introduce solutions such as vacation, health, and educational loans, alongside high-interest savings accounts tailored to support long-term wealth accumulation.
“We are excited to bring the ‘W’ Initiative to Botswana, offering not only financial products but also the tools, resources, and networks that women need to achieve their personal and professional goals,” Aisam said. “Access Bank is committed to inspiring and empowering women across all areas of society.”
Over the last 17 years, Access Bank has demonstrated its dedication to gender equality and women’s economic empowerment, with over N338.6 billion in financing provided to more than 3.6 million women. A flagship product under the ‘W’ Initiative, the ‘W’ Health Loan, offers three health loan variants, including the Maternal Health Service Support (MHSS), which provides discounted financing for fertility treatments, maternity care, and other specialized health services for women. This product, often called the “baby-making product,” has been instrumental in assisting over 160 women and families across Africa and has led to the birth of 104 babies through discounted health financing.
Running in 12 African countries, the ‘W’ Initiative stands as a testament to Access Bank’s unwavering commitment to empowering women across the continent, ensuring that more women can access the financial resources they need to thrive.
