In Africa’s evolving financial landscape, Access Bank PLC stands tall as a powerhouse of innovation and impact. As Nigeria’s largest banking group and Africa’s biggest bank by customer base, Access Bank has been rapidly expanding its footprint, with a commitment to building a globally connected ecosystem inspired by Africa.
Access Bank Cameroon, a wholly owned subsidiary of Access Bank PLC, proudly reflects the heritage of Africa’s largest bank by customer numbers.
Established in May 2022, Access Bank Cameroon has quickly emerged as a key player in the nation’s financial sector, demonstrating exceptional growth and a steadfast commitment to financial inclusion. The bank’s exponential rise has been a glorious part of Access Bank Group’s wider journey, which began in West Africa in 1989.
“Our strategic goals align with the Access Corporation’s promise of delivering service beyond banking. By leveraging technology and innovation, Access Bank is migrating most of its customers to digital platforms and expanding its footprint to the 24 African countries in which it currently has presence. As Access Bank Cameroon continues to support trade, payments, and investment flows within Cameroon, across Africa, and beyond, its mission remains clear: to be the world’s most respected African bank while driving financial inclusion and innovation,” the bank told International Finance.
A Legacy Of Excellence: Africa’s Gateway To The World
With roots tracing back to 1989 in West Africa, Access Bank has grown into a banking giant, servicing over 65 million customers across 24 markets, including 16 in Africa. Its presence also extends to the UAE, United Kingdom, France and Hong Kong, with representative offices in China, India, and Lebanon.
In 2024, Access Bank executed several major strategic acquisitions, deepening its presence across Africa. These included acquiring Standard Chartered Bank’s subsidiaries in Angola and Sierra Leone, signing a binding agreement to acquire Bidvest Bank in South Africa, and taking over Atlas Mara’s assets in Zambia. These moves highlight the bank’s long-term commitment to connecting African markets and enabling cross-border trade and investment. Credit agencies also have taken note of these measures, with Fitch and Moody’s praising Access Bank for enhancing profitability through smart expansion.
The bank’s efforts have also earned it prestigious recognitions, such as “Best Bank in Ghana by Global Finance,” “Best Bank for ESG in Nigeria and Ghana by Euromoney,” and “Best Trade Partner Bank in West Africa by the IFC.”
Access Bank Cameroon: A New Powerhouse
Access Bank Cameroon is rapidly emerging as a major player in the country’s financial ecosystem. Established in May 2022, the bank has made remarkable strides in just two years.
Customer deposits have grown by XAF 146 billion, a testament to its growing trust. The expansion of its branch network in Douala and Yaoundé, alongside the launch of innovative digital products, demonstrates the bank’s commitment to providing easy access to quality banking services.
In 2024, Access Bank Cameroon was widely recognised for its achievements, and it won honours like Global Brands Magazine’s “Best Banking CEO, Cameroon,” “Leading Mobile Banking App, Cameroon,” “Best CSR Bank, Cameroon,” “Excellence in Banking Innovation – EcoMatin,” “Fastest Growing Bank – Cameroon English Newspaper Publishers,” “Best Customer Service Bank – Guardian Post and International Finance Magazine,” and “Best Services Provider and Best Non-Primary Dealer Bank for Cameroon.”
Driving Financial Inclusion
With only 15% of Cameroonian adults having access to formal financial services, Access Bank Cameroon has prioritised financial inclusion. Its tailored solutions cater to SMEs, youth, women, and unbanked populations. Some of the key innovations undertaken by the venture include AccessMore Mobile App (a smart, user-friendly app for transfers, bill payments, and Payday Loans), USSD Banking (a solution that enables banking access without internet connectivity), PrimusPlus (a platform for seamless account management and transactions across CEMAC), TradePlus (facilitating local and international trade finance), and Prepaid and Debit Cards (offering secure, global payment and withdrawal options).
These tools empower individuals and businesses, facilitating broader economic participation and growth.
Commitment To Sustainability And Social Impact
Access Bank Cameroon champions a corporate culture rooted in empowerment, innovation, and community impact. Its ESG (environmental, social, and governance) and CSR (corporate social responsibility) initiatives have reached over 200,000 Cameroonians in 2024, aligning closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In 2024, the venture undertook school infrastructure support and financial literacy outreach, along with providing free health screenings and essential medical supplies in the African country.
On the environment front, Access Bank Cameroon undertook clean-up drives and waste management programmes, along with providing microloans and business training to upcoming entrepreneurs in partnership with government bodies, NGOs, and associations.
In early 2025, the bank partnered with Cameroon’s Ministry of Youth and Civic Education (MINJEC) to support the distribution of biometric youth cards. Other collaborations with microfinance institutions have helped bring financial services to underbanked communities.
Access Bank Cameroon is on a mission to transform banking into a platform for progress. Its 2025 strategic priorities include expanding its branch and digital network, supporting intra-African trade, empowering SMEs and women entrepreneurs, and enhancing national development through financial innovation.