Accion MfB targets women-led growth with digital, financial inclusion drive

Accion Microfinance Bank and GirlLearn Africa drive financial inclusion among women by equipping female entrepreneurs with digital and financial skills.

The bank hosted a conference in Lagos on March 27 themed “Driving Women’s Digital & Financial Empowerment,” bringing together business leaders, professionals and customers at a time banks are increasingly targeting women-led enterprises as a key segment of Nigeria’s micro and small business economy.

Managing director, Taiwo Joda, said inclusive leadership and collaboration remain central to building sustainable businesses, noting that empowering women to participate more actively in the economy will unlock broader growth.

“True leadership is not a one-man effort; it is driven by collective contribution across teams and genders,” he said, adding that institutions must create environments where knowledge is shared and individuals are equipped to take initiative.

Chief commercial officer Stephen Olalere said access to tailored financial products is helping women better manage cash flows, expand businesses and invest for the long term, especially in a market where credit gaps persist.

He noted that the bank’s focus on micro-entrepreneurs aligns with the growing influence of women in household and community-level economic activity, while stressing that digital adoption is becoming non-negotiable for competitiveness.

“As the financial landscape evolves, individuals and businesses must embrace digital channels to remain relevant,” he said.

Sessions at the event focused on practical strategies for navigating a technology-driven economy, including building digital skills, improving financial literacy and strengthening leadership capacity.

Founder of SalesVille Africa, Treasure Ernest, urged participants to translate knowledge into action, saying opportunities in the digital economy favour those who continuously upskill.

Similarly, Ajiri Okoribe said progress requires deliberate steps and clarity of purpose, encouraging women to actively pursue personal and professional goals.

The event also featured interactive sessions aimed at fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange among participants.

The initiative highlights a broader shift in Nigeria’s financial services sector, where lenders are expanding beyond traditional credit delivery to include education, partnerships and digital tools as part of inclusion strategies.

With women-owned businesses still facing structural barriers to finance, stakeholders say targeted interventions such as skills development and access to digital platforms could help bridge the gap and drive more inclusive economic growth.