Breaking Barriers, Building Futures
Imagine a bank where women don’t just have a seat at the table—they’re leading the conversation. At Access Bank Group, this isn’t just a vision; it’s a reality. Through bold leadership, groundbreaking initiatives, and a relentless commitment to inclusion, Access Bank is rewriting the rules of African banking—one empowered woman at a time.
The Women Shaping the Future of Finance
Bolaji Agbede: From Acting CEO to Champion of Change
When Access Holdings needed stability after the sudden loss of its CEO, Bolaji Agbede stepped up. As Acting Group CEO from February 2024 to August 2025, she steered the bank through turbulent times, proving that resilience and vision know no gender. Today, as Executive Director of Business Support, Bolaji continues to drive impact through the W Initiative and Power of 100 Africa, empowering women entrepreneurs across the continent with billions in funding and mentorship.
Pearl Nkrumah: Ghana’s Trailblazing MD
In October 2025, Pearl Nkrumah made history as the first female Managing Director of Access Bank Ghana. With over 25 years in banking—spanning retail, digital transformation, and business strategy—she’s not just breaking glass ceilings; she’s building new floors. Pearl also chairs the Ghana Stock Exchange Council, advocating for policies that put women at the heart of economic growth.
Did you know? Under her leadership, Access Bank Ghana’s board is 44% women—nearly double the national average.
The W Initiative: Where Finance Meets Feminism
Launched in 2014, the W Initiative is more than a program—it’s a movement. By combining financial inclusion, mentorship, and health support, Access Bank has:
✅ Empowered 4 million women across Africa.
✅ Disbursed N370 billion to women-owned businesses.
✅ Earned global acclaim for transforming lives through economic opportunity.
Inside Access Bank: A Culture That Works for Women
Access Bank doesn’t just talk about equality—it designs systems to achieve it. Here’s how:
🔹 Flexible work policies that adapt to women’s lives, not the other way around.
🔹 Maternity and childcare support to ensure no woman has to choose between career and family.
🔹 Leadership accelerators to groom the next generation of female executives.
The Power of 100 Africa initiative takes this further, spotlighting 100 women change-makers who are reshaping industries and inspiring millions.
The Ripple Effect: Why This Matters for All of Us
Access Bank’s story is a blueprint for what’s possible when institutions intentionally invest in women. But the journey isn’t over. The bank is doubling down on:
📌 Closing the gender gap in senior leadership.
📌 Scaling the W Initiative to reach even more women.
📌 Pushing for policies that level the playing field for women in finance.
Join the Movement
Access Bank’s revolution is a call to action for banks, businesses, and policymakers worldwide: Gender equality isn’t a goal—it’s a growth strategy. By empowering women, Access Bank isn’t just transforming its own culture—it’s sparking a continent-wide shift.
By Meriem Bousselmi
