Access Bank Expands Initiative with The Power of 100 Africa

Access Bank has unveiled The Power of 100 Africa, a pan-African initiative celebrating women driving impactful change across diverse sectors such as business, healthcare, technology, and education. Building on the success of its 2015 Power of 100 book, which honored influential Nigerian women, this year’s edition extends its scope across 16 African countries.

Deputy Managing Director Chizoma Okoli explained the initiative’s broader focus: “The Power of 100 Africa is more than a celebration; it’s a call to action to recognize and support women who are trailblazers, change-makers, and unsung heroes across the continent. By spotlighting their achievements, we aim to inspire the next generation of female leaders.”

The initiative will provide honorees access to exclusive events, networking opportunities, and the "W Community" — Access Bank’s platform for empowering women. They will also take part in mentorship programs to strengthen their leadership and community engagement skills.

Managing Director and CEO of ACT Foundation, Osayi Alile, emphasized the project’s reach, which spans 16 countries where Access Bank operates, ensuring targeted community engagement. A jury panel of industry experts will oversee the nomination process to guarantee fairness and transparency.

Participating countries include Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, Kenya, Zambia, Rwanda, Mozambique, and others. Public nominations are now open, encouraging submissions for outstanding women leaders across these regions.

Speaking on the alignment of the project with Access Bank's mission, Group Head of W Initiative and Emerging Business, Abiodun Olubitan, says, "The Power of 100 Africa aligns with Access Bank's commitment to empowering women and promoting gender equality. It also reflects the Bank's broader mission to foster economic growth, support leadership development and drive positive societal change across Africa."

With The Power of 100 Africa initiative, Access Bank says that it aims to inspire future generations by sharing the stories of African women who are making their mark.