Access Bank Cameroon has marked a significant milestone in its commitment to women's entrepreneurship by successfully concluding the first edition of the Womenpreneur Pitch-A-Ton program. This event, organized in partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the African Guarantee Fund (AGF), aims to empower women entrepreneurs by providing them with improved access to financing, capacity building, and mentorship.
The final competition, held in Douala, brought together fifteen talented women entrepreneurs from various sectors such as technology, agriculture, fashion, and green businesses. These finalists had the opportunity to present their projects to a panel of experts after completing an intensive training program.
Three winners distinguished themselves during this competition. The grand prize winner received a grant of 3,000,000 FCFA, while the first and second runners-up won 2,000,000 FCFA and 1,000,000 FCFA respectively. Beyond these financial rewards, all finalists will benefit from structured post-program support, including mentoring and consulting services, to support their long-term growth.
The participants benefited from a comprehensive training program based on the IFC's Mini-MBA modules, addressing essential topics such as financial management, business strategy, and fundraising preparation.
Mr. Ugochukwu Irechukwu, Deputy Managing Director of Access Bank Cameroon, emphasized the importance of this initiative, calling it a strategic platform to equip women entrepreneurs with the tools and funding necessary for sustainable growth. Mr. Frankline Fobah, Director of Retail and Business Banking at Access Bank Cameroon, also highlighted the bank's commitment to supporting women at every stage of their entrepreneurial journey. The top winner described the program as a transformative experience, highlighting the acquisition of practical knowledge and increased confidence.
With this initiative, Access Bank Cameroon reaffirms its commitment to entrepreneurship, financial inclusion and the promotion of the role of women in the economic development of Cameroon. Access Bank Cameroon Plc, a subsidiary of the Access Bank group, is a full-service commercial bank that operates from its headquarters in Douala and serves a diverse clientele through seven branches.
