Access Bank Plc has reiterated its commitment to fostering stronger partnerships with Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and intensifying its investments in technology to drive innovation and sustainable growth across Nigeria’s business landscape. The bank made this known during a recent stakeholder engagement session in Lagos, where top executives highlighted the institution’s renewed strategy to empower SMEs through financial support, digital solutions, and capacity-building initiatives.
The bank’s Executive Director for Retail Banking, Victor Etuokwu, emphasized that SMEs remain the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, accounting for a large percentage of employment and productivity. According to him, Access Bank’s goal is to strengthen these enterprises by providing not just funding, but also digital infrastructure, advisory support, and market linkages that help them compete both locally and internationally.
“Our focus is to provide SMEs with the right tools, financing, and digital capabilities to thrive in an evolving economy,” Etuokwu said. “We are leveraging technology to simplify access to credit, streamline business operations, and help entrepreneurs reach broader markets efficiently. We believe that by empowering SMEs, we are directly contributing to Nigeria’s long-term economic growth.”
He noted that the bank has introduced several tech-driven platforms to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency for businesses. One of such initiatives is the AccessMore App, which provides seamless financial services, business tools, and e-commerce capabilities for small business owners. The bank has also rolled out SME-focused credit schemes designed to address the persistent funding gap in the sector.
Access Bank’s Managing Director and CEO, Roosevelt Ogbonna, reiterated the institution’s commitment to innovation and inclusivity as part of its long-term growth strategy. He stated that technology and entrepreneurship are central to the bank’s sustainability agenda and regional expansion drive.
“Technology is not just a tool but a catalyst for transforming how we do business,” Ogbonna explained. “We are investing heavily in digital infrastructure, data analytics, and fintech collaborations that will redefine the banking experience for SMEs and corporate clients alike. Our objective is to become the leading enabler of innovation and inclusive finance across Africa.”
The CEO added that Access Bank’s digital transformation strategy aligns with the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) broader digital economy agenda, which seeks to promote cashless transactions, expand financial inclusion, and encourage investment in homegrown technology solutions.
As part of its ongoing efforts, the bank is partnering with fintech startups, industry associations, and government agencies to improve access to finance for entrepreneurs. These collaborations, according to Ogbonna, aim to bridge knowledge gaps, enhance creditworthiness, and foster sustainable business practices among SMEs.
He further revealed that Access Bank’s SME programs have so far supported over one million small businesses through funding, training, and mentorship. The bank continues to provide affordable financing through its W Power Loan Scheme for women-led enterprises, as well as digital trade platforms that connect Nigerian businesses to international markets.
Industry experts have praised the bank’s focus on technology and SME growth, noting that it positions Access Bank as a key driver of Nigeria’s post-reform economic recovery. Economist and financial analyst, Dr. Olufemi Adedoyin, commended the initiative, describing it as a “strategic alignment between private sector innovation and national development goals.”
“SMEs are the heart of Nigeria’s economy, and banks like Access are showing leadership by combining digital solutions with practical financial support. The result will be a stronger, more resilient private sector capable of driving exports and job creation,” Adedoyin said.
In recent years, Access Bank has made significant strides in digital banking, introducing features such as AI-powered customer service, online lending platforms, and secure payment gateways. The bank also continues to expand its footprint across Africa, operating in over 20 countries while promoting regional integration through digital finance.
Ogbonna emphasized that the bank’s commitment to SMEs extends beyond financial products, highlighting its role in nurturing entrepreneurial ecosystems. Through its Accesspreneur Program, thousands of young innovators have received seed funding and mentorship to develop scalable ventures. The program has become a model for empowering the next generation of African business leaders.
The bank’s Group Head of SME Banking, Chioma Afe, also disclosed that Access Bank is rolling out new technology hubs across key Nigerian cities to support startup growth and innovation. These hubs will serve as incubation centers where small businesses can access funding, digital tools, and strategic partnerships.
“Access Bank is committed to building the infrastructure for innovation,” Afe said. “We are not just providing loans — we are creating an environment where small businesses can grow, scale, and compete globally. Our vision is to see Nigerian entrepreneurs leading across industries such as technology, agriculture, and manufacturing.”
Stakeholders at the event called for greater collaboration between financial institutions, policymakers, and private sector players to create a more enabling business environment for SMEs. They emphasized that while access to finance remains critical, consistent policy reforms and infrastructure investments are equally essential for sustained growth.
As Nigeria’s economic reforms take shape, the banking sector is expected to play a pivotal role in stabilizing and stimulating productivity. Analysts believe that Access Bank’s integrated approach — combining finance, technology, and entrepreneurship — could serve as a model for inclusive growth across emerging markets.
With its focus on SMEs and technology-driven innovation, Access Bank continues to position itself as a leading force in shaping the future of African banking. Its renewed strategy not only strengthens the backbone of the economy but also underscores its broader vision — to empower businesses, transform lives, and drive sustainable development across the continent.
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