Access Bank and Gates Foundation Launch Initiative to Empower 50,000 Nigerian Women Entrepreneurs

In a bold and strategic move to enhance women’s economic empowerment in Nigeria, Access Bank Plc has partnered with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to launch a transformative initiative aimed at supporting 50,000 women-led businesses across the country.

This groundbreaking initiative is part of Access Bank’s broader commitment to advancing gender equality through its award-winning “W” Initiative, which has already impacted over 4 million women with financial products, business support, and mentorship programs.

The partnership, announced during a high-level forum in Lagos, will focus on expanding access to finance, providing technical and managerial training, and fostering a supportive ecosystem for female entrepreneurs to thrive. With funding and strategic guidance from the Gates Foundation, the program aims to remove long-standing barriers preventing women from fully participating in Nigeria’s economic growth.

“Empowering women is not just the right thing to do—it is the smart thing to do,” said [Insert Name], [Insert Title] at Access Bank. “With this partnership, we are taking intentional steps to ensure women have the tools, capital, and community they need to scale their businesses and change their lives.”

Bridging the Gender Gap in Entrepreneurship

According to research by the Gates Foundation, women in Nigeria face significant challenges in starting or expanding businesses, including limited access to credit, lack of business training, and cultural barriers. While 34% of Nigerian women express interest in entrepreneurship, a disproportionate number are locked out of the financial services necessary to scale.

This new program directly addresses those gaps. The initiative will offer:

• Low-interest loans and access to tailored financial products
• Business management training, including digital skills and market strategies
• Mentorship and networking opportunities to connect women to broader value chains
• Mini-MBA programs through Access Bank’s existing Womenpreneur Pitch-a-ton platform

Since its launch, the Pitch-a-ton program has trained over 600 women and awarded more than $175,000 in grants across Africa.

Driving Inclusive Growth Through Strategic Partnerships

The Gates Foundation, known globally for its work in health, development, and gender equity, is providing technical and financial support to ensure the program is scalable, sustainable, and impact-driven.

“When we invest in women, we invest in stronger families, resilient communities, and a more prosperous Nigeria,” said [Insert Name], representative of the Gates Foundation. “This partnership with Access Bank allows us to bridge the financial inclusion gap and amplify the voice of women entrepreneurs.”

A Step Toward Achieving the SDGs

This initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 5 (Gender Equality) and Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). By supporting female entrepreneurs, the project is expected to create jobs, reduce poverty, and drive inclusive economic development across Nigeria.

Access Bank has pledged to scale the initiative over the next three years, targeting not just urban entrepreneurs but also women in rural and underserved communities.

“This is more than just corporate responsibility; it is a commitment to nation-building,” added [Insert Name], Executive Director at Access Bank.

Looking Ahead

With rising inflation, a challenging economic climate, and the disproportionate impact of financial exclusion on women, initiatives like this are critical. By combining global expertise with local execution, Access Bank and the Gates Foundation are paving the way for a more equitable and prosperous future for Nigerian women in business.