News Highlights:
- Access Bank has launched The Power of 100 Africa, celebrating 100 influential African women across various sectors.
- The initiative aims to inspire future female leaders, promote gender equality, and create a network of women supporting each other.
Access Bank, Africa’s leading commercial bank, has launched the new edition of The Power of 100 Africa project, an initiative that aims to honour women making significant contributions across various sectors throughout the African continent, reports Digital TimesNG.
This year, the Bank will be unveiling and celebrating 100 remarkable African women in this new edition acknowledging their significant contributions to nation-building and societal impact across the African Continent.
This flagship project seeks to celebrate achievements by recognize and honouring the contributions of 100 exceptional African women to societal growth, development, and nation-building; build legacy by inspiring the next generation of female leaders; and foster a supportive community by creating a network of women supporting each other through the W Community, promoting collaboration and shared success.
Speaking at a media parley on Tuesday at Access Bank Corporate Headquarters in Lagos, Chizoma Okoli, Deputy Managing Director, Retail at Access Bank said that building on the success of the original Power of 100 book, which was launched in 2015 and celebrated 100 influential Nigerian women, The Power of 100 Africa expands its focus to highlight remarkable women driving change and innovation across Africa.
The project she said, seeks to recognize women who are leading in industries such as business, education, healthcare, advocacy, agriculture, public service, entertainment, and technology, adding that by celebrating achievements across diverse fields, the initiative aims to showcase the multifaceted impact of women across the continent.
“The Power of 100 Africa is not just a celebration, but a call to action,” Okoli said. “We are opening nominations today, inviting the public to help identify these phenomenal women—trailblazers, change-makers, and unsung heroes.”
Okoli who emphasized that the nomination process is open to the public and encouraged broad participation to ensure the diversity of women’s achievements is captured, highlighted Access Bank’s long-standing commitment to women’s empowerment, citing the bank’s W initiative, now in its 10th year, as a testament to their dedication to supporting women.
While stating that the event marked a significant milestone in Access Bank’s mission to promote gender equality and celebrate female leadership, Okoli noted, “It is fitting that we are launching The Power of 100 Africa as part of this milestone, reinforcing our dedication to supporting, promoting, and celebrating women.”
She said that The Power of 100 Africa project aligns with Access Bank’s commitment to empowering women and promoting gender equality, stating that through this initiative, the Bank reinforces its role as a champion for women’s development, aligning with its broader mission to foster economic growth, support leadership development, and drive positive societal change across Africa.
On how this initiative contribute to building a legacy for future female leaders, Okoli stressed that by publicly recognizing the contributions of women leaders, the Power of 100 Africa project aims to inspire and motivate the next generation of female leaders.
“The honourees serve as role models for young women, demonstrating that their aspirations can lead to real change. The initiative also creates mentorship opportunities within the W Community, fostering leadership skills and encouraging young women to strive for excellence,” she said.
Speaking further on the benefits The Power of 100 Africa honourees will enjoy, the Deputy Managing Director explained that such honourees will gain access to exclusive events, networking opportunities, and resources within the W Community.
“They will also receive a commemorative plaque during the unveiling ceremony and be featured in publications to amplify their impact and initiatives. Additionally, honourees will have opportunities to engage in mentorship programs as mentors or mentees,” she added.
Osayi Alile, Managing Director/CEO of ACT Foundation, explained that The Power of 100 Africa project will focus on 16 African countries namely, The Gambia, Sierra Leone, Zambia, Cameroon, Ghana, Rwanda, D.R. Congo, Guinea, Mozambique, South Africa, Kenya, Botswana, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda, and Angola, where Access Bank has a presence.
Alile who noted that this approach will enable the bank to effectively engage with communities where it has established relationships, ensuring that the support and recognition provided are impactful, also highlighted that a diverse jury panel of industry experts and respected figures will evaluate nominees to ensure transparency and fairness.
Abiodun Olubitan, Group Head of W Initiative & Emerging Business at Access Bank, said, “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 aims to inspire future generations by sharing the stories of African women who are making their mark.
The nomination process is officially open, and those across the continent are encouraged to submit names of exceptional women in their communities by visiting the website- powerof100.thewcommunity.com