Empowering Africa’s Women Entrepreneurs: Access Bank and Regenesys Launch the 2025 Womenpreneur Pitch & Match

Women-led businesses are a powerful force for economic growth in Africa. Yet, access to capital, mentorship, and visibility continues to limit how far many of these ventures can go. That’s why Access Bank South Africa, in collaboration with the Regenesys School of Entrepreneurship, is proud to launch the 2025 Womenpreneur Pitch & Match Investment Event, a high-impact initiative designed to fuel women-led innovation across the continent.

This event is more than a pitch competition, it’s a launchpad for the next generation of African startups led by women.

What is the Access Bank Womenpreneur Pitch & Match Programme?

The Access Bank Womenpreneur powered by Regenesys | Pitch & Match Investment Event is a pan-African initiative designed to spotlight and accelerate women entrepreneurs in Africa. The programme invites women-led businesses to submit a short 30-second pitch video showcasing their venture, market opportunity, and potential for impact.

From the pool of applicants, ten standout entrepreneurs will be selected to receive:

• Expert pitch training and mentorship
• Access to funding opportunities
• A chance to pitch live at a premier event in Sandton, Johannesburg on 21 August 2025

The event will feature a high-profile audience of investors, media, government leaders, and corporate stakeholders, making it a rare opportunity for visibility and direct connection to capital.

Apply before 10 August 2025 at rse.regenesys.net

Why This Programme Matters: Advancing Women-Led Business Funding.

Despite being at the forefront of innovation and community transformation, women-led businesses in Africa continue to receive a fraction of total startup funding. This limits their ability to scale, create jobs, and contribute to long-term economic resilience.

Through the Access Bank Womenpreneur programme, Access Bank is directly addressing this funding gap by creating a pipeline for women entrepreneurs to:

• Pitch directly to decision-makers and funders
• Gain practical skills and training to grow their businesses
• Join a continent-wide network of like-minded innovators

The goal is not only to fund high-potential businesses but to empower women to lead the next wave of economic transformation in Africa.

What Finalists Can Expect.

Finalists of the 2025 programme will gain access to a range of development and investment opportunities, including:

1. Personalised Pitch Coaching

Participants will receive hands-on guidance to craft a clear, compelling, and fundable pitch that aligns with investor expectations. 

2. Strategic Business Mentorship

Each finalist will be paired with expert mentors to help refine their business model, growth strategy, and investment readiness.

3. Visibility on a National Stage

The live pitch event will be hosted at the Regenesys Campus in Sandton,a central hub of business and innovation in South Africa, attended by top investors, ecosystem leaders, and media.

4. Connection to Funding & Networks

The event acts as a gateway to real investment, unlocking new growth paths for women-led startups.

Real Success Stories from Real Women

Access Bank collaborates with inspiring female entrepreneurs across various industries. Take Hlobisile Yende, who runs The Yende and Partners. She’s a third-generation farmer who helps other women enter the farming industry while working on food security. Her advice to new entrepreneurs is simple: “Don’t wait for the perfect moment. Start with what you have.”

Kimlynn Temple created Tipped, a digital payment system that changes how tips work in South Africa. Her company helps people who need economic support the most.

How to Apply: Simple Steps for Entry

To enter the Access Bank Womenpreneur powered by Regenesys | Pitch & Match Investment Event, applicants must:

1. Complete the online application form
2. Submit a short pitch video (max 2 minutes) detailing their business, vision, and growth plan

Tip: Your pitch video should explain what your business does, the problem you’re solving, your target market, and what makes your solution unique.

Deadline to apply: 10 August 2025
Live pitch event: 21 August 2025 at Regenesys Campus, Sandton

Apply now: rse.regenesys.net

A Platform for Purpose-Driven African Startups

Whether you’re developing a fintech platform, leading a green energy solution, or transforming local communities through social enterprise, this programme is designed to elevate bold women entrepreneurs with scalable visions.

By connecting women entrepreneurs in Africa with capital, mentorship, and visibility, Access Bank is building long-term impact and fostering inclusive economic growth across the continent.

About Access Bank’s Commitment to Innovation and Inclusion

Access Bank is a pan-African financial institution with a strong track record in SME banking, enterprise development, and strategic investment in the African innovation ecosystem.

The bank’s Womenpreneur initiatives form part of its broader strategy to support inclusive, sustainable business practices and empower entrepreneurs across all sectors.

Through programmes like Womenpreneur Pitch & Match, Access Bank provides:

• Funding pathways for women-led ventures
• Business advisory and mentorship opportunities
• Tailored financial products for SMEs and startups

This initiative reinforces Access Bank’s belief that when women succeed, economies thrive.

Join the Movement Driving Africa’s Inclusive Economic Growth

Now is the time to turn your vision into a viable, fundable business. Join hundreds of women across the continent in applying for the Access Bank Womenpreneur powered by Regenesys | Pitch & Match Investment Event.

Applications close: 10 August 2025
Event date: 21 August 2025
Venue: Regenesys Campus, Sandton

Apply now at rse.regenesys.net 

Banking Made Simple for Women-Owned Businesses

Access Bank offers banking solutions designed specifically for women entrepreneurs. Our SME Banking, Business Banking, and Private Banking all understand that women-owned businesses have special needs.

Our fixed-fee business accounts remove surprise charges. This makes it easier for women-led startups to manage their money and plan ahead. Beyond basic banking, Access Bank provides mentoring, coaching, and support for women entrepreneurs, women in business roles, and women managing families.

Access Bank Wins Awards for Supporting Women

Access Bank consistently wins awards for sustainability, with a strong focus on women’s empowerment being a key component of its success. Herbert Wigwe, Managing Director of the Access Bank Group, puts it simply: “If you support a woman, if you build a woman, if you train a woman, you have trained a whole family.

Grow Your Business with Access Bank

Want to join thousands of successful South African female entrepreneurs? Open your business account with Access Bank today.

Get banking solutions, business advice, and networking opportunities made just for women-owned businesses.