(ACCESS BANK) – Access Bank Cameroon Concludes Maiden Womenpreneur Pitch-A-Ton, Empowering Women Entrepreneurs with Funding and Growth Opportunities
Access Bank Cameroon, in partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the African Guarantee Fund (AGF), has successfully concluded the maiden edition of its Womenpreneur Pitch-A-Ton Programme, marking a significant milestone in advancing women-led enterprise and inclusive economic growth in Cameroon.
Implemented under the Bank’s flagship W Initiative, the programme was designed to equip women entrepreneurs with access to finance, enterprise development skills, and mentorship, enabling them to build scalable and sustainable businesses.
The grand finale, held in Douala, brought together high-potential entrepreneurs from sectors including technology, agriculture, fashion, beauty, and green enterprises. Fifteen finalists were selected to present their business ideas before an expert jury, following the completion of an intensive capacity-building programme.
At the close of the competition, three outstanding entrepreneurs were awarded seed funding to accelerate their business growth. The overall winner received XAF 3,000,000, while the first and second runners-up were awarded XAF 2,000,000 and XAF 1,000,000 respectively.
Beyond the financial awards, all finalists will continue to benefit from a structured post-programme support framework, including mentorship and advisory services, aimed at driving long-term growth and sustainability.
Participants underwent a comprehensive training programme anchored on IFC’s Mini-MBA modules, covering key areas such as financial management, business strategy, working capital optimization, and investor readiness.
Speaking on the significance of the programme, Mr. Ugochukwu Irechukwu, Deputy Managing Director of Access Bank Cameroon, stated:
“The Womenpreneur Pitch-A-Ton is more than a competition. It is a strategic platform designed to equip women entrepreneurs with the tools, networks, and financing required to scale sustainably. We are proud to support businesses that will drive inclusive growth and economic transformation.”
Also commenting, the Head, Retail and Business Banking at Access Bank Cameroon, Mr. Franklin Fobah emphasized the customer impact of the initiative:
“At Access Bank, we are deeply committed to supporting women at every stage of their business journey. Through the W Initiative, we continue to provide not just access to finance, but also the capacity building and market access required for long-term success.”
Delivering remarks on behalf of the participants, the overall winner described the experience as transformative:
“This programme has been a turning point for me and many other women here. Beyond the funding, we have gained practical knowledge, mentorship, and the confidence to scale our businesses. We are leaving this platform better prepared to build sustainable ventures and create impact in our communities.”
The programme further reinforces Access Bank Cameroon’s commitment to supporting entrepreneurship, strengthening financial inclusion, and enabling women to play a greater role in driving economic development across the country.
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 3rd, 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.
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 clients across corporate, retail, and SME’s and operates in seven branches across Douala and Yaoundé:
- Akwa 1
- Akwa 2
- Bonamoussadi
- Bonaberi
- Marché Central
- Intendance
- Hippodrome
Access Bank Cameroon Plc is a proud subsidiary of Access Bank Group, a leading full-service commercial bank operating across 3 continents, 25 countries, and serving over 60 million customers. The Group has subsidiaries in Sub-Saharan Africa and the United Kingdom, which has branches in Dubai (UAE), France and Hongkong and representative offices in China, Lebanon, India.
About IFC
IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. We work in more than 100 countries, using our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities in developing countries. In fiscal year 2025, IFC committed a record $71.7 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging private sector solutions and mobilizing private capital to create a world free of poverty on a livable planet. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.
About African Guarantee Fund (AGF)
AGF provides guarantees and financial support to strengthen SMEs across Africa, promoting investment and economic growth. Its partnership with Access Bank underscores its commitment to women-led enterprises and sustainable development across the continent.
