(Business in Cameroon) – Cameroon’s economy received a fresh injection of entrepreneurial energy on 24 November 2025, as Access Bank Cameroon, in partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the African Guarantee Fund (AGF), unveiled the country’s first Womenpreneur Pitch-A-Ton. The initiative promises training, mentorship, and seed funding to 150 women entrepreneurs, marking a significant step in strengthening financial inclusion and business growth.
Access Bank Cameroon confirmed that the programme will deliver six IFC-certified Mini-MBA modules, designed to sharpen financial management skills and improve access to capital. Through the initiative, participants will compete for seed funding grants of 3 million, 2 million, and 1 million FCFA, providing direct financial support to scale their enterprises.
The launch also introduced the W Initiative, a suite of banking products and capacity-building opportunities tailored for women. According to Access Bank, the initiative aims to close the gender gap in entrepreneurship by offering dedicated financial services alongside training and visibility platforms.
Ellis Nzo Asu, Managing Director of Access Bank Cameroon, and Charlotte Ndaw Sako, IFC Country Manager, signed the strategic partnership agreement during the launch event. Both institutions emphasised that the programme is designed to strengthen business profitability, improve cash flow control, and enhance credit management practices for women-led enterprises.
The training cycle, themed “Financial Management & Access to Financing”, will be delivered by IFC-certified experts. Sessions will cover record-keeping, working capital strategies, and pitching techniques, equipping participants with tools to expand their businesses and attract investment.
Since its inception in 2019, the Womenpreneur Pitch-A-Ton has empowered more than 878 women across Africa by providing Mini-MBA training, mentorship, and access to seed-funding competitions. The Cameroon edition marks the first time the programme has been introduced in the country, extending its reach to Central Africa.
The initiative is expected to contribute to Cameroon’s wider economic development by enhancing women’s participation in the private sector, a critical driver of inclusive growth. Access Bank highlighted that empowering women entrepreneurs not only strengthens household incomes but also supports national economic resilience.
Applications for the 2025 edition opened in September, with hundreds of women across Africa applying to join the programme. The Cameroon cohort spans diverse sectors, including technology, green and sustainable initiatives, beauty and fashion, agriculture and its value chain, and social initiatives.
The Womenpreneur Pitch-A-Ton represents a significant economic opportunity for Cameroon. According to the World Bank, women-owned enterprises account for nearly 30% of businesses in the country, yet face substantial barriers in accessing finance and business support.
The programme is expected to stimulate local entrepreneurship, increase revenue generation, and contribute to broader economic diversification through its structured training and targeted financial support. The initiative also aligns with national priorities to expand financial inclusion and support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which play a pivotal role in employment creation and economic growth.
Mercy Fosoh
