Access Holdings PLC, the parent company of Access Bank, has reaffirmed its long-term strategic trajectory built on a three-phase framework: scale, optimise, and sustain. The Group is now entering the critical optimisation phase of its five-year plan, setting the stage for stronger profitability, operational efficiency, and enhanced shareholder value through to 2027.
Speaking on the Group’s vision, Acting Group Chief Executive Officer, Bolaji Agbede, explained that Access Holdings’ aggressive expansion over the past few years—spanning over 20 markets across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia—was deliberately structured for long-term value creation.
“Our approach has always been clear: scale first through strategic expansion, then optimise through consolidation, synergy realisation, and operational efficiency,” said Agbede. “During the scale-up phase, significant capital was deployed into people, systems, infrastructure, and acquisitions. Now, the focus is on unlocking the full value of those investments.”
The 2024 financial results already reflect early gains from the strategy. Gross earnings surged to ₦4.878 trillion, up from ₦2.594 trillion in 2023, while profit before tax rose by 19% to ₦867.0 billion. Total assets also climbed significantly by 55.5% to ₦41.498 trillion, solidifying Access Holdings’ status as one of Africa’s largest and most diversified financial institutions.
With the optimisation phase now underway, the Group is turning its attention to streamlining operations, enhancing customer experience, leveraging data and digital innovation, and improving capital productivity.
Access Holdings’ 2023–2027 strategy places financial inclusion and social impact at its core. Through the expansion of digital channels and low-cost delivery platforms, the Group aims to bring millions of previously unbanked and underserved Africans—especially women, youth, and rural dwellers—into the formal financial system.
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The broader goal, according to Agbede, is to stimulate intra-African trade, empower micro and small enterprises, and unlock growth across key sectors including agriculture, commerce, and manufacturing.
Access Holdings’ presence now spans over 20 markets, including strong subsidiaries in South Africa, the United Kingdom, France, and across key Middle Eastern and Asian trade corridors. These investments, while capital-intensive, are beginning to deliver results, contributing to a more diversified earnings base and positioning the Group as a globally connected African financial powerhouse.
“We are confident that as we approach 2027, the full impact of our strategic moves will become evident,” Agbede added. “This is about growing bigger and becoming better, faster, and more resilient.”
Access Holdings says it remains committed to building a globally connected financial community that delivers sustainable value to its stakeholders, while maintaining leadership in innovation, inclusion, and impact within the financial services industry.
