Access Bank Plc has announced the commencement of the 2025 edition of its Womenpreneur Pitch-a-Ton, a flagship initiative aimed at equipping female entrepreneurs across Africa with training, mentorship, and access to business funding.
Applications for the continent-wide competition opened on Friday, September 19, and will run until October 3, 2025. The programme provides women-led enterprises a platform to strengthen their businesses, expand visibility, and access vital financial support.
Speaking at the official launch in Lagos, Nene Kunle-Ogunlusi, Group Head of Women Banking at Access Bank, noted that the scheme has recorded significant impact since its inception six years ago.
“This initiative has empowered hundreds of women with business training, mentorship, and funding since 2019,” she said. “The 2025 edition promises to deliver even greater opportunities for women to scale their businesses and connect with other trailblazers across the continent.”
The Pitch-a-Ton combines competition with capacity-building. Participants will undergo an intensive Mini-MBA programme designed in collaboration with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), offering practical business knowledge and strategies for growth.
Project manager Oyeyipo Ifeoluwa disclosed that the initiative has so far trained 878 women and disbursed $175,000 in grants. “It is not merely a contest but a holistic journey designed to transform women-led businesses and strengthen Africa’s economic development,” she explained.
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This year, Access Bank has earmarked more than N17.5 million in grants for outstanding entrepreneurs. Other participants will also benefit from consolation prizes, professional support services, and brand-building assistance.
Eligibility is open to women entrepreneurs who hold at least 50 percent ownership of their businesses, operate a legally registered enterprise, and have been in business for a minimum of one year.
Kunle-Ogunlusi stressed that empowering women entrepreneurs contributes directly to national and continental growth. “By equipping women with the right skills and resources, we are not only transforming lives but also boosting economic development across Africa,” she said.
Interested applicants are advised to submit their entries via the official Access Bank Womenpreneur Pitch-a-Ton portal before the October 3
