Bringing millions more Africans into the economy

For generations, financial inclusion in Africa was limited by geography. If a person lived close to a bank branch, they could access savings, credit, and transactions. However, individuals living far from urban centers were excluded from the formal economy due to high costs of serving remote areas. Technology is now breaking down these barriers, bringing millions of low-income Africans into the formal financial system.

In 2025, Access Holdings alone has reached 2.528 million low-income Africans and onboarded 78,438 micro, small, and medium enterprises onto its financing platforms. These individuals include traders, farmers, artisans, and young entrepreneurs who are now able to save securely, manage cash flow, and build credit histories. The impact of this inclusion is most pronounced in communities that were previously too remote and cost-prohibitive for traditional banks to serve.

Market women can now build savings records, young mechanics can access affordable digital loans, and farmers can receive payments directly and securely. This is not just about providing financial tools; it is about transforming the lives of families and communities. Access Holdings' holding company model is key to its success. The company's subsidiaries - Access Bank, Oxygen X Finance, Hydrogen Payment Services, and Access ARM Pensions - work together to lower costs and make financial services accessible to those previously excluded.

Each service builds upon the others, creating a virtuous cycle of savings, credit, and long-term retirement planning. Inclusion is not just a lofty goal; it is a catalyst for economic growth. As more people move into the formal financial system, they become savers, borrowers, taxpayers, and participants in the economy. This expands the market for both Access and the broader African economy.

For small and medium enterprises, which employ the majority of Africa's workforce, access to credit is a lifeline. Access Holdings has brought 78,438 of these businesses into the formal financing system in a single year, helping them access working capital and grow their operations. The use of technology, including digital infrastructure, mobile channels, and data analytics, has made this expansion possible at a much lower cost than building physical branches.

This technological approach allows Access to reach customers in even the most remote regions, providing them with the same financial services as those in bustling cities. The ultimate goal is to create a larger, more resilient African economy. Each new customer and business added to the formal system strengthens the entire economic ecosystem.

Inclusion is an ongoing process, not a one-time achievement. Access Holdings is committed to continuing this expansion, bringing the next million people and the next generation of businesses into a system that can support their growth and prosperity. This is a story of turning dreams of financial inclusion into reality, one customer and one business at a time.