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Access Holdings Reaffirms Commitment to Driving Inter-, Intra-African Trade

• Banking subsidiary targets November for African Trade Conference

Access Holdings Plc, the parent company of Access Bank Plc, has announced a series of initiatives aimed at empowering small businesses across Africa and enhancing intra-African trade. During a recent media roundtable, the leadership team, including Acting GCEO Ms. Bolaji Agbede, and Group Managing Director/CEO, Roosevelt Ogbonna, shared insights on the company’s strategic priorities for the coming years.

“Our commitment to fostering economic growth in Africa is well established,” said Agbede. “We believe that by supporting small businesses, we can create lasting economic value and drive meaningful change across the continent.”

Ogbonna outlined the strategic priorities for 2023–2027, which focus on infrastructure investments, retail banking, and small business empowerment. “We aim to provide an enabling environment for small businesses to access new markets on the continent,” he stated. To facilitate this, Access Bank will host a trade conference in November, designed to connect small businesses and stimulate intra-African trade.

The bank’s commitment to infrastructure investment is evident, with 61 new branches opened in Nigeria this year alone, despite challenging economic conditions. “This expansion showcases our dedication to enhancing retail banking and improving customer access to financial services,” Ogbonna added. Furthermore, the bank is in the process of establishing fully digitalised branches, known as ‘branches of the future,’ which will leverage advanced technology to increase financial access for underserved communities.

Access Holdings is also focused on enhancing regional trade dynamics. By fostering partnerships and collaborations among small businesses, the company aims to create a robust network that supports economic development across Africa. “We are committed to building a sustainable ecosystem that empowers businesses and drives growth,” Ogbonna emphasised.

As Access Holdings continues to expand its footprint across the continent, it remains dedicated to its mission of creating lasting economic value for Africa and empowering businesses that can drive meaningful change.

Access Holdings Leads Action in Sickle Cell Awareness Month

L-R: Amaechi Okobi, Chief Communications Officer, Access Holdings PLC; Ms. Timi Edwin, Sickle Cell Champions and Founder, CrimsomBow Sickle Cell Initiative, and Esther Graham, Team Member, Sustainability, Access Holdings PLC, at the Access Sickle Cell Awareness Initiative event to mark Sickle Cell Awareness Month at the institution’s headquarters in Lagos…recently.

In a heartfelt demonstration of solidarity and compassion, employees of Access Holdings PLC came together to donate 159 pints of blood as part of an initiative to commemorate Sickle Cell Awareness Month.

The donation drive, which saw over 200 employees participate, was executed in partnership with the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Service and the Boat Foundation/Life Bank. This contribution will directly support sickle cell champions, who often require urgent blood transfusions due to life-threatening complications from the disease.

Amaechi Okobi, Chief Communications Officer at Access Holdings PLC, spoke on the significance of the initiative, stating, “Every pint of blood donated represents hope and survival for someone living with sickle cell. We are incredibly proud of our staff who volunteered and our partners who made this possible. Access Holdings is committed to championing causes that change lives and create lasting impact.”

In addition to the donation drive, Access Bank, the flagship subsidiary of Access Holdings, hosted a webinar, featuring a distinguished panel of speakers, including Prof. Ebele Uche, Professor of Haematology at the Lagos State University College of Medicine; Dr. Bodunrin Osikomaiya, Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Service; Dr. Sola Adebekun, Executive Secretary of the Temitayo Awosika Help Foundation, and Ms. Judith Ojonugwa Mathew, a sickle cell champion. The webinar focused on raising awareness about the challenges faced by individuals living with sickle cell and emphasised the importance of regular blood donations in managing the disorder.

The panellists shared insights on healthcare gaps, the need for increased blood supply, and the impact of public-private partnerships in supporting sickle cell patients. The event also included personal stories from sickle cell champions, highlighting their daily struggles and the importance of timely interventions like blood transfusions.

Access Holdings’ involvement in this campaign underscores its dedication to advancing healthcare initiatives that benefit vulnerable communities. As Africa continues to see over 300,000 babies born with sickle cell each year, the need for advocacy, support, and healthcare solutions remains urgent. Access Bank’s leadership in these efforts reinforces its commitment to building a healthier society and creating long-lasting positive impact.