Access Bank Cameroon Launches First-Ever Womenpreneur Pitch-A-Ton
Access Bank Cameroon (ABC) has launched the country's first-ever Womenpreneur Pitch-A-Ton, in partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the African Guarantee Fund (AGF). This initiative aims to empower women entrepreneurs while strengthening the national economy.
Objective
The Womenpreneur Pitch-A-Ton is part of Access Bank's W Initiative, a flagship program dedicated to women, which has been transforming the lives of African women entrepreneurs since 2019. Introduced in Cameroon, the program provides participants with the necessary tools, networks, and opportunities to develop sustainable businesses.
Program Details
This year, 150 women entrepreneurs have been selected to participate in structured capacity-building sessions, facilitated by the IFC and supported by AGF, to prepare them for success and access to tailored financing for their projects. According to a statement from the bank, Ellis Nzo Asu, Managing Director of ABC, stated that through structured training, personalized mentorship, and direct access to financing, women entrepreneurs will be able to develop their businesses, create jobs, and significantly contribute to Cameroon's economic growth. "When women rise, Cameroon rises," he added.
Training and Financing
Participants will follow six Mini-MBA modules designed by the IFC, covering:
- Business profitability
- Cash flow control
- Record keeping
- Working capital strategies
- Credit management
- Pitching to investors
In addition to the training, startup financing is planned for the top three winners:
- First prize: 3 million FCFA
- Second prize: 2 million FCFA
- Third prize: 1 million FCFA
Combating Obstacles
Access Bank has launched a well-thought-out initiative to combat the main obstacles faced by women entrepreneurs in Cameroon: limited access to financing, restricted networks, and lack of visibility. Participants operate in high-impact sectors such as technology, agriculture, beauty and fashion, as well as green and sustainable initiatives, with a minimum turnover or capital of 3 million FCFA (approximately 15,600 Tunisian dinars).
Partnership and Investment
For Charlotte Ndaw Sako, IFC Country Manager for Cameroon, this partnership with Access Bank represents a true investment in the country's future. She emphasizes that the training offered enables women to transform their informal businesses into professional structures, while strengthening their financial management and access to financing skills, and promoting job creation and innovation. Bimpe Gisanrin, Group Head of W Banking at Access Bank Plc, notes that this program has already supported thousands of women in Africa. Ugochukwu Irechukwu, Deputy Managing Director, adds: "The Pitch-A-Ton is more than just a competition, it's a platform that connects women to an ecosystem of investors, mentors, and partners, giving them every chance to succeed sustainably."
W Initiative
On the occasion of its launch in Cameroon, the bank officially presented the W Initiative, a program designed to support women in their financial and entrepreneurial journey. This initiative offers specific banking products, skill-building opportunities, and exclusive benefits to support their financial growth and professional ambitions.
