Access Bank Recognised as Leading Financier for Women Entrepreneurs in Africa

Access Bank Recognised as Leading Financier for Women Entrepreneurs in Africa. Access Bank has been honoured 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, managed by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and hosted by the SME Finance Forum, celebrate financial institutions that deliver innovative and practical solutions to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

This recognition reflects Access Bank’s commitment to supporting women-led businesses through financial products and programmes tailored specifically to their needs. Key initiatives include the W Initiative, which provides women with access to loans, advisory services, and networking opportunities; the W Power Loan, designed to boost women-owned enterprises; and Womenpreneur Pitch-a-Ton Africa, a platform offering funding and capacity building for female entrepreneurs. These programmes have helped thousands of women across Africa start, grow, and scale their businesses.

Speaking at the awards, Sheperd Aisam, Managing Director of Access Bank Botswana, 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 highlight institutions that bring measurable change to the SME sector. Access Bank’s accolade underscores its role in promoting financial inclusion for women and demonstrates its ongoing efforts to empower female entrepreneurs through a combination of funding, mentorship, and practical business tools.

For Botswana’s business community, this award positions Access Bank as a trusted partner for women entrepreneurs seeking resources, guidance, and financial solutions to grow sustainable businesses, contributing to broader economic growth and innovation in the SME sector.