In affirmation of its commitment to gender parity, Access Bank recently hosted its 2025 International Women’s Day (IWD) Conference under the theme: “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.” Held in Lagos, the conference assembled global women leaders, industry icons, and thousands of professionals, reinforcing Access Bank’s leadership in driving financial inclusion and economic empowerment for women across Africa.
A Gathering of Global Influencers
The Access Bank IWD 2025 was graced by an extraordinary lineup of world’s women leaders, including Her Honour W.K. Mutale Nalumango, Vice President of the Republic of Zambia; Her Excellency, Hon. Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania (who delivered a goodwill message in absentia); and Her Royal Majesty, Olori Atuwatse III, Queen Consort of the Warri Kingdom.
Other distinguished attendees included Mrs. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Deputy Governor of Ogun State; Dahlia Khalifa, IFC Regional Director for Central Africa, Liberia, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone, who delivered the keynote address; Dr. Osasuyi Dirisu; Dr. Ifeyinwa Kojo; Emezino Afiegbe; Rosy Fynn; Chizoma Okafor, Deputy Managing Director of Access Bank; Iyabo Soji-Okusanya, Executive Director, Corporate and Investment Banking Division, Access Bank; and Hadiza Ambursa, Executive Director, Commercial Banking Division, Access Bank, along with a host of influential business leaders and policymakers.
The conference reinforced Access Bank’s position as Africa’s leading trade enabler, leveraging platforms like the African Trade Conference (ATC) to unlock intra-African business opportunities for women entrepreneurs. The presence of global leaders underscored the bank’s strategic influence in forging high-impact partnerships.
Leading Voice in Women’s Empowerment
In her remarks, Bolaji Agbede, Acting Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings PLC, emphasised that true empowerment goes beyond advocacy, it requires action.
“At Access Holdings, we do not just believe in women’s empowerment; we invest in it. Through the W Initiative, we have provided finance, mentorship, and business support for women across 16 African countries. What started as a bold vision has now become a movement impacting thousands of entrepreneurs, professionals, and young girls.”
Agbede also highlighted the importance of financial accessibility and intra-Africa trade solutions that enable women-led businesses to scale across the continent. She reaffirmed Access Bank’s commitment to expanding its impact, ensuring that every woman and girl have the opportunity to succeed.
Accelerating Action for Women
Delivering the keynote address, Dahlia Khalifa, IFC Director for Central Africa, Liberia, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone, called for urgent, decisive action to close the gender gap.
“At the current pace, it will take 134 years to close the global gender gap. We cannot afford to wait that long. By investing in women and creating an enabling environment for their participation in the economy, we can unlock significant economic gains and drive sustainable development.”
She highlighted IFC’s commitment to providing 80 million more women and women-led businesses with access to capital by 2030, and praised Access Bank’s long-standing partnership with IFC, which has led to groundbreaking programmes such as the W Initiative and Nigeria2Equal.
“Our work with Access Bank has gone beyond financing; it has driven systemic change, helping to close gender gaps in corporate leadership and improve women’s access to finance through tailored financial products.”
Referencing Tolulope Arotile’s Legacy
The conference was punctuated by inspiring stories, including a heartfelt tribute to Tolulope Arotile, Nigeria’s first female combat helicopter pilot, who defied societal expectations to carve a place in a male-dominated field.
“Tolulope dreamed beyond society’s expectations. She was told aviation was not for women, but she refused to shrink her ambition. Through resilience and excellence, she not only took flights, but she also made history. Stories like hers remind us why we must continue breaking barriers for women and girls everywhere,” said Agbede.
Arotile’s journey served as a rallying call to young girls worldwide: No dream is beyond reach, no ambition too great, and no barrier unbreakable.
From Below Ordinary to Extraordinary
In a fireside chat during an engagement with Access Women Network at the Access Bank headquarters a day before, Zambian Vice President Mutale Nalumango delivered a compelling message, urging women to embrace leadership beyond titles.
“It is one thing to hold a leadership position and another to truly lead. The question is: Have you impacted lives?”
She shared her personal story of moving from below ordinary to extraordinary, encouraging women to refuse limitations, seize opportunities, and create change in their communities and workplaces.
“I was once just a simple teacher, but I did not stay there. I worked, I pushed, I refused to be limited. Now, I am the Vice President of my country. Women, take the opportunities before you. We are not asking for space; we are coming.”
Nalumango’s story struck a powerful chord, urging women to embrace their inherent strength, emphasising that true leadership lies in driving impact, fostering transformation, and creating opportunities for others.
Accelerating Change for Women and Girls
As the conference ended, the discussions shifted from inspiration to action. The event reinforced Access Bank’s commitment to the 2025 global IWD theme, #AcceleratingAction, driving solutions for women’s financial inclusion, business growth, and leadership representation.
“When women rise, economies thrive, and nations transform.”
Access Bank also took the opportunity to honour The Power of 100 Awardees: exceptional women whose contributions have shaped industries and communities. Their achievements served as a testament to what is possible when women are given equal opportunities and the right resources to succeed.
Access Bank, Driving Global Conversations
Access Bank continues to be the preferred platform for high-level global engagements. Not long ago, the bank hosted Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados, in a landmark event focused on African trade, development, and women’s empowerment. Now, with the presence of Her Honour W.K. Mutale Nalumango, Vice President of Zambia, Access Bank reaffirms its role as a key convener of influential global discussions.
Additionally, the bank secured goodwill messages from world leaders, further showcasing the global recognition of its work in gender equity and economic inclusion.
Building a More Inclusive Future
As Access Bank continues its expansion across Africa, it remains steadfast in its mission to bridge the gender gap in business and finance. The 2025 IWD Conference was a celebration of progress and bold statement of what is yet to come.
For all women and girls, the message was clear: Step into your space. Own your power. The world is waiting for you.
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