In 2024, Access Bank reaffirmed its commitment to promoting excellence and sustained growth, both globally and in Mozambique. It was a year marked by strategic expansion, international recognition and a series of initiatives that made clear its efforts towards economic, social and environmental development. The bank's robust brand reflects its purpose of being a gateway from Africa to the world, promoting a positive impact in the countries where it operates.
Global achievements and international expansion
Access Bank consolidated its global presence in 2024 with significant milestones, standing out both for its international growth strategy and for the recognition of its organisational culture. The Forbes Best Place to Work award demonstrates its commitment to providing an inclusive, positive and innovative working environment for its employees, something that undoubtedly underpins its constant pursuit of excellence.
Expansion into new markets was one of the year's major bets. The launch of the W Initiative in Zambia and Botswana underlines the bank's effort to promote financial inclusion and female entrepreneurship across Africa. In addition, the opening of a new branch in Hong Kong represents a strategic step towards linking Asia to African markets, bringing the continent closer to global investors and opportunities. The group also expanded into new African markets by entering Tanzania and Namibia, as well as securing acquisitions in Mauritius and Malta through The Access Bank UK Limited, strengthening its position in the region. The acquisition of Bidvest, an important South African company, also helped to consolidate its role in the African market, creating new opportunities for customers and partners.
Mozambique: local impact and social commitment
In Mozambique, Access Bank continued to work with the community, concentrating on key areas such as education, health, sustainability and female empowerment. Through a series of initiatives, the bank benefited thousands of people, promoting social and economic transformation in several regions of the country.
Education and financial literacy
Education and financial literacy were areas of great focus in 2024, with the institution reaching more than 38,000 people through a range of initiatives. One of the most notable was the equipping of libraries in several schools, including the refurbishment of the library at Escola Unidade 25 de Maxaquene, with a view to providing a more suitable environment for the development of young students. The bank also promoted financial education sessions in partnership with schools, of which Chiango Primary School is one example. During Global Money Week, this mission was taken to universities, creating a network of knowledge that benefits future generations. In addition, the publication of a glossary in local languages made access to financial information more inclusive, ensuring that more Mozambicans could understand and manage their finances responsibly.
Health and social well-being
In the area of health, the impact of the various campaigns carried out was also significant, with more than 5,500 people benefiting. To celebrate Children's Day, Access Bank organised support activities at institutions such as the Nampula Central Hospital and in Catembe, reinforcing its dedication to the well-being of children and families. Its support for social causes was also evident in campaigns such as the Autism Walk and other initiatives, such as Yellow September, Pink October and Blue November, which aimed to raise public awareness of the importance of mental health, of the fight against cancer and of autism.
Sustainability and environmental responsibility
In terms of sustainability, the bank became actively involved in initiatives that benefited more than 15,000 people. Its support for the second conference on ESG (environmental, social and governance issues), the launch of the Coffee Project in partnership with Mega, and its participation in the PwC Banking Forum on sustainability made the year a turning point in the bank's involvement in environmental preservation and responsible business practice. The celebration of Oceans Day, beach clean-ups and participation in the Mpesa Fintalks on financial literacy and inclusion were other actions that reflected the bank's concern for those areas.
Female empowerment
Female empowerment was one of Access Bank's main causes in 2024. With more than 157,000 people reached, the bank promoted various initiatives aimed at strengthening the role of women in society and in the business world. The workshop for women entrepreneurs and the Women in Leadership event were important moments for the exchange of knowledge and the fostering of new opportunities for women throughout the country. The Power of 100 initiative, launched by the group but also implemented in Mozambique, focused on giving visibility to women who have stood out in a range of fields, from entrepreneurship to community leadership, creating a network of support and inspiration for future generations of women.
International recognition
The impact of the initiatives in Mozambique did not go unnoticed. In 2024, Access Bank received several important awards, standing out in categories such as Best CSR Bank Mozambique 2024, Best Bank for Women Entrepreneurs Mozambique 2024 and Best Bank for Financial Inclusion Mozambique 2024, presented by World Economic Magazine, which also recognised the bank as Best Customer Service Bank Mozambique 2024. It was also singled out by International Finance with the awards for Most Innovative CSR Initiative – Mozambique 2024 and Most Innovative SME Financing Program for Women Empowerment – Mozambique 2024, underlining its leadership role in the country and its innovative initiatives in social responsibility and SME financing for female empowerment.
Strategic partnerships and business expansion
Access Bank also strengthened its network of partnerships in Mozambique by signing memoranda of understanding with ALCM, UP and the National Association of Municipalities, with the aim of promoting economic and social development in the country. Its participation in events such as the Mozambique UK Business Forum, the Mozambique-Germany conference and the Mozambique Energy and Industries Summit reinforced its presence in strategic discussions about the country's future. In terms of physical expansion, the Pemba branch was opened, increasing the bank's coverage in the various regions of Mozambique. Customer Service Week, for its part, underlined the institution's commitment to excellence in service, further solidifying its relationship with customers.
Access Bank, which entered 2024 with a clear vision of expansion and social responsibility, proved throughout the year to be a solid institution committed to the progress of Africa, and of Mozambique in particular. With a portfolio of diverse initiatives that positively affected thousands of people, the bank has positioned itself as a fundamental pillar in support of education, health, sustainability and female empowerment. The year 2024 undoubtedly strengthened the institution's position as a true agent of transformation, both in the country and on the African continent, and globally.
