(ACCESS BANK) – Douala, Cameroon, August 7, 2025. Access Bank Cameroon has marked the successful conclusion of its flagship WeMentor Program, a transformative mentorship initiative designed to equip women entrepreneurs with the skills, confidence, and networks to thrive in today’s competitive business landscape.
The closing ceremony, held on Thursday at the Akwa Palace Hotel, brought together mentors, mentees, institutional partners, and senior bank executives to celebrate a journey that began on March 29, 2025. Launched in partnership with the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and the Family (MINPROFF), the program selected 10 promising women entrepreneurs for a two month-long immersion of targeted training, strategic guidance, and one-on-one mentorship throughout June and July.
The initiative’s goal was clear: to strengthen entrepreneurial capacity, encourage collaboration, and advance inclusive economic growth across Cameroon.
“This program is a testament to what happens when institutions invest in women’s potential,” said Mrs. Georgette Anaba, MINPROFF Regional Delegate Representative. “WeMentor has not only equipped these women with tools for entrepreneurship, but it has also built a network of solidarity and shared ambition. We encourage them to put everything they’ve learned into practice.”
In his opening remarks, Mr. Ugochukwu Irechukwu, Deputy Managing Director of Access Bank Cameroon, underscored the strategic vision behind the initiative:
“WeMentor reflects our belief that empowering women is not just a social responsibility, it’s a strategic imperative. We want to create legacy and let these entrepreneurs know we’re committed to walking with them as they grow. We are proud to stand beside them as they shape the future of our economy.”
Mr. Roger Tamwo, Head of Global Transaction Services and program mentor, spoke of mentorship as a shared journey:
“Mentorship is about more than advice, it’s about walking the journey together. I’ve seen mentees evolve, challenge themselves, and build businesses that reflect their passion and resilience. We are proud to reaffirm our commitment to women’s empowerment through this program.”
Representing the mentees, Ms. Josephine Deng described the experience as life-changing:
“We came into this program with ideas. We leave with confidence, clarity, and community. Beyond technical tools, we’ve developed a deeper understanding of ourselves and our abilities. We’ve learned to trust ourselves, take calculated risks, and adapt to challenges. WeMentor has given us more than knowledge, it has given us a sisterhood.”
The evening featured a product showcase by the mentees and the presentation of official certificates, underscoring both the achievements of the participants and the powerful network forged through the program.
As the curtains closed on this inaugural edition, Access Bank Cameroon reaffirmed its commitment to championing women-led enterprises, deepening strategic partnerships, and driving sustainable economic growth through impactful, community-centered initiatives.
About Access Bank Cameroon PLC
Access Bank Cameroon Plc is a full-service commercial bank focused on wholesale, retail, digital, and proximity banking. Licensed on February 1st, 2022, and officially launched on May 23rd, 2022, from its flagship office in Akwa, Douala, the Bank is proud to contribute to the economic narrative of Cameroon a strategic hub for business in Central Africa.
As part of the Access Bank Group, the Bank is driven by a bold vision: to be the world’s most respected African bank Africa’s gateway to the world. Through tailored financial solutions, Access Bank Cameroon empowers businesses to reach greater financial goals, facilitates international payments, trade financing, and offers loans to corporate clients via its global network and presence in key trade corridors.
With a strong focus on SMEs, women-led businesses, and youth innovation, the Bank supports capacity building in creativity, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship. Its financial inclusion strategy offers customized support for individuals and enterprises of all sizes, including access to finance, mentoring, business development programs, market support, and trade promotion.
Access Bank Cameroon currently serves over 17 035 corporate, retail, and business customers and operates five branches across Douala and Yaoundé:
- Akwa
- Bonamoussadi
- Bonaberi
- Marché Central
- Intendance
Access Bank Cameroon Plc is a proud subsidiary of Access Bank Group, a leading full-service commercial bank operating across 3 continents, 17 markets, and serving over 52 million customers. The Group has subsidiaries in Sub-Saharan Africa and the United Kingdom, with a branch in Dubai (UAE), France, and representative offices in China, Lebanon, and India.
