Access Microfinance Holding AG

"As the branch manager, I saw this program as a great opportunity for growth. Among many managers in our organisation, only three of us were selected to participate to help us develop key leadership skills we had been lacking. Before the program, my approach to underperforming staff was often very direct—I would give warnings or let them go. But this training has completely shifted my perspective. Now, when a staff member isn't performing well, the first thing I do is sit down with them for a one-on-one discussion. I listen and try to understand whether their underperformance is due to personal or family issues or if they don't feel connected to the team. Using coaching techniques, I work with them to find solutions and bring them back on board. A key takeaway for me is that leadership is not about authority—it's about influence. I've learned to include my team in decision-making, soliciting their views before reaching a consensus. This not only helps in making rational decisions but also builds team morale. Another critical aspect I learned is managing people through change. Change is hard, but to make it successful, you need to communicate clearly, provide short-term wins, and convince your team of the long-term benefits. Some team members may be hesitant, waiting to see what happens before they fully commit. As a leader, it’s my responsibility to motivate them and show why their involvement is crucial. This program for emerging leaders is invaluable. It has reinforced the importance of being loyal to the organisation and passionate about our work. Leadership is not just about titles; it's about earning the trust and respect of your team and helping them achieve their best. I’ve already started applying what I learned on campus in my day-to-day work, and I’ve seen significant progress in my team. I am incredibly grateful for this program and hope that management will continue to invest in it to benefit more leaders across the organization." This is how our graduate Aaron Nuah, Branch Manager in AccessBank Liberia described his experience with AccessAcademy - a flexible learning program for middle and senior banking managers. It blends three training formats: face-to-face sessions in Berlin, virtual live sessions, and eLearning on AccessMind, our LMS. The 12-18-month curriculum includes leadership and core competence courses across three modules, each featuring eLearning, virtual sessions, individual assignments, and team projects.

In May, we proudly engaged 1,094 participants across 110 teams from AccessBank Liberia, AB Bank Zambia, AB Rwanda PLC, AccèsBanque Madagascar, and Access Microfinance Holding AG in Germany in our impactful #AccessChallenge event. This wasn't just a competition on the Teamfit App; it represented a meaningful journey toward better physical and mental health, stronger connections, and improved collaboration. The winners of the #AccessChallenge were: 🏆 Highest Average Score: AccèsBanque Madagascar 🏆 Highest Participation Rate: Access Microfinance Holding AG Team in Berlin The Berlin team donated their prize to AccessBank Liberia’s initiative supporting rehabilitation centres for kids and teenagers. Recently, the bank made donations of essential supplies and food items to three institutions dedicated to serving vulnerable communities in Liberia. 📍 Monrovia School for the Deaf - a school that provides specialised education in Liberian Sign Language (LSL) and vocational training for children who are deaf or hard of hearing. 📍 Lady of Fatima Rehabilitation School - an institution that empowers vulnerable youth by offering academic and vocational programs to overcome barriers such as poverty and displacement. 📍 Monrovia School for the Blind - an education centre that supports visually impaired students through braille education, vocational training, and feeding programs. The bank donated school supplies, food items, and sanitation pads to help improve students’ independence and quality of life. AccessBank Liberia employees actively participated in delivering these items to the schools, engaging with students and teachers, and sharing the bank’s commitment to fostering opportunities for all. #Kudos Klaus Mueller, Malek V. Al Sherif, MAMADU KROMAH, Jeremiah George, Ramsey Flomo, William Nyan, Marconi Marshall, Adolphus Gono, Kona Dakor   #AccessBank #CSR #EducationForAll #SocialInclusion #Liberia

AccessAcademy at Access Microfinance Holding AG is a flexible learning program for middle and senior banking managers. It blends three training formats: face-to-face sessions in Berlin, virtual live sessions, and eLearning on AccessMind, our LMS. The 12-18 month curriculum includes leadership and core competence courses across three modules, with each course featuring eLearning, virtual sessions, individual assignments, and team projects. Here is what our graduate Fenosoa RATOVO, Network Infrastructure and Security Operations Manager at AccèsBanque Madagascar, says about the program: "When the Access Campus program was first announced in Madagascar, I was thrilled. However, I had a moment of doubt because, being in IT, I wondered if this program was meant for me. But then I realised that while having IT knowledge is valuable, it’s not enough to advance in my career. To grow professionally, I needed to broaden my understanding of how organisations work and the world operates. That’s when I decided to take this opportunity. When I was accepted into the Access Campus training, it was a completely new experience for me. The content was very different from what I was used to in IT. There were courses on management, balance sheets, and overall organisational strategy, which gave me a new perspective on how branches function and what needs to be done to ensure profitability. I also gained valuable insights into risk management, people management, and project management. In my role, I’ve always had projects to manage, but I realised I struggled with time management. The programme helped me understand the importance of prioritisation and managing time effectively. It also taught me that whenever you’re faced with a challenge, remember that if someone else can do it, so can you. Whether in IT or another field, never doubt your ability to succeed. I highly encourage anyone looking to advance their career to participate in the Access Campus training. It enhances your skills, gives you a fresh perspective, and equips you with the tools you need to help others and improve your own life."

AccessAcademy at Access Microfinance Holding AG is a flexible learning program for middle and senior banking managers. It blends three training formats: face-to-face sessions in Berlin, virtual live sessions, and eLearning on AccessMind, our LMS. The 12-18 month curriculum includes leadership and core competence courses across three modules, each featuring eLearning, virtual sessions, individual assignments, and team projects. Here is what our graduate MUSENGAMANA Emmanuel, Head of Internal Audit at AB Rwanda PLC, said about the programme: "This program has been especially beneficial for me, coming from a department with a police perspective. Having recently been promoted, I found that the leadership training and team management strategies offered by Access Campus helped me approach my role from a new angle. One of the key takeaways for me was learning how to manage my team effectively, particularly in terms of delegating tasks. Before, I often felt overloaded, trying to handle everything myself. However, through this program, I realised the importance of preparing my team, transferring knowledge, and building trust through delegation. This has freed me up to focus on other critical tasks without compromising the work being done. Another valuable lesson was about looking at the bigger picture—understanding the entire process within an organisation rather than focusing solely on isolated issues. It’s helped me see that defending decisions or resolving issues isn't just about the specific challenge at hand, but about ensuring everything aligns with the bank’s broader objectives. The project management aspect was also a game-changer for me. Now, I can run projects more efficiently and with greater clarity. I know that when a project is completed, it's done with a sense of totality, meaning all aspects have been considered, and we can confidently move forward. This course has really helped me grow, both in experience and knowledge. I’m excited to put everything I’ve learned into practice. I would highly recommend this program to anyone looking to sharpen their skills and broaden their perspective. The exchange of ideas with facilitators and peers offers additional insights that are invaluable. No one has all the answers, but with the right guidance, we can always improve."

At Access Microfinance Holding AG, we believe in the transformative power of microfinance to fight poverty and build resilient communities. Microfinance goes beyond providing financial resources; it opens doors to opportunities for millions excluded from traditional banking systems. By offering small loans, savings options, and financial literacy training, microfinance empowers individuals to start or expand businesses, create jobs, and improve their livelihoods. It enables families to afford essentials like education, healthcare, and better housing—breaking the cycle of poverty for future generations. Did you know that women make up most microfinance clients worldwide? Empowering women through access to finance strengthens entire communities, fostering economic growth and social development. At AccessHolding, we are proud to support our microfinance institutions across Africa, helping them deliver sustainable solutions that drive real impact. Together, we can achieve SDG 1: No Poverty. What’s your perspective? How can microfinance make an even greater impact in eradicating poverty? Let’s discuss this in the comments! #SDG1 #NoPoverty #MicrofinanceImpact #FinancialInclusion #AccessHolding

AccessAcademy at Access Microfinance Holding AG is a dynamic, flexible learning and development program, aimed at middle and senior managers in the banking industry. Its blended learning approach combines the best of three training environments: traditional face-to-face classroom training in Berlin, virtual live sessions, and world-class eLearning on AccessMind, our internal learning management system (LMS). The curriculum consists of leadership competence and core competence courses which are evenly distributed between three modules over 12-18 months. Each training course consists of eLearning, a series of virtual instructor-led sessions, individual assignments and team projects. What our graduates say about the program: Barnor T. Buxton, Head of IT AccessBank Liberia "The program was incredibly intense, but also extremely insightful. It pushed me to reflect on my current role within my institution and helped me find ways to better coordinate tasks and manage my team more effectively. As someone with a more technical background, the leadership training was especially valuable, as it challenged me to expand my abilities beyond just the technical aspects of my job. One of the most important things I learned was how to take a more holistic approach to leadership, ensuring that my team is aligned with our goals and targets. It has also given me the confidence to handle projects more efficiently and to lead with a greater sense of purpose. I would highly recommend this program to anyone, especially those who, like me, are more focused on technical work. These leadership skills are crucial, not only for managing your team but also for personal development. You never know when these skills might come into play, whether it’s in a professional setting or even managing your own life challenges. What really stood out to me was the structure and content of the Access Campus training. The sessions were well-organized, and the interactions with facilitators and peers were incredibly enriching. The discussions helped improve my communication skills and ability to engage in meaningful conversations with others. One thing I have to mention is how impressed I was by the overall experience, especially since it was my first time at Access Campus. Everything was so well-organized, from my arrival to the sessions themselves. The campus is beautiful, and the atmosphere really added to the learning experience. Just a small note: the weather can be a bit tricky, so I’d recommend bringing a jacket, especially if you’re not used to the cooler temperatures! Lastly, I want to express my gratitude to my institution for supporting me in this endeavor and a big thank you to Access Campus for organising such an impactful program. It’s clear that they are committed to developing middle managers, and I’m excited to see how this training continues to benefit us as we grow and evolve."

The 2024 Internal Audit workshop of Access Microfinance Holding AG brought together Heads of Internal Audit and Audit Managers from 8 institutions. Throughout the sessions, participants engaged in insightful discussions and shared best practices. The focus was on strengthening our audit processes and methodologies to be a valuable partner of the management and a strong third pillar, enhancing smart skills and discussing new trends. We thank everyone involved: Inalegwu Ochekwu Aziz Fataliyev, CIA, Islam Islamov, abraham b. seh, Linda Banda, Dimby Ramanarivo, MUSENGAMANA Emmanuel, Aleksandre Mirianashvili, Nino Lazaria, Marc-André ESSI, ICCF, Gilles FOTSO-KAMENI, Anna Aslanova, Maxine McKenzie-Kellie, Brian O'Driscoll, Mahammad Sadrzada, Friederike Moellers, Prof. Dr. Heiko Krüger, Christoph Ziegler, Ivana Mitrovic, Katharina Schachtner, Thomas Engelhardt, Rolf Reichardt, Jenny Schröder, Claire Seeliger - Clasquin, Shavkat Akmalov, Shakiru Akinremi, Vladimir Bousrez #thirdline #Internalaudit #agileaoudit #newauditstandards #ESG #artificalinteligence

On Friday, October 18th, participants of the AccessCampus 2024 celebrated their Graduation Ceremony, concluding months of hard work and professional development. Throughout the week in Berlin, “Team Africa United” engaged in workshops and project-based learning, encouraging collaboration and innovation while strengthening their technical and leadership skills. They also immersed themselves in the local culture, trying new cuisines and enjoying activities like a thrilling escape game. The ceremony highlighted the cohort's achievements, with management and graduates sharing reflections of gratitude and pride. One participant remarked, “This program has equipped me with essential leadership skills and taught me the value of collaboration and reflection.” AccessCampus was a transformative journey for many, paving the way for future opportunities and impactful contributions in their fields. The graduates are now ready to apply their newfound skills and perspectives as they enter the next chapter of their careers. Congratulations to Aaron Nuah, Romeo Tomah and Barnor T. Buxton from AccessBank Liberia, MUSENGAMANA Emmanuel from AB Rwanda PLC, Fenosoa RATOVO from AccèsBanque Madagascar, Jacquelline Msaki, Dickson Kyombo and Alex Kitutu from Selcom Microfinance Bank and Razaq Balogun from AB Microfinance Bank Nigeria Limited! Big thank you to everyone involved: Veronika Barth, Brian O'Driscoll, Maxine McKenzie-Kellie, Anna Aslanova, Rolf Reichard, Thomas Engelhardt. #AccessCampus

At Access Microfinance Holding AG, we believe that people, teams, and leadership are key to success. We strive to continuously build up and advance our people, teams, and leaders' capabilities and foster continuous exchange and knowledge sharing. That is why we held the Cyber & Information Security Workshop again in September in Berlin at our headquarters. We thank everyone involved: Akintunde Adeyemi, Giorgi Dvali, kaneza Justin, Kayindana Muzeya, Ny Aina RAKOTONDRAMANGA, Davit Kenkebashvili, Mathis K. , KARABOUE De Ghimelle Claire Seeliger - Clasquin, Shavkat Akmalov, Shakiru, Vladimir Bousrez, Evelyn Borchardt, Maxine McKenzie-Kellie, Brian O'Driscoll, Emmanuel Asuquo, CISA, AWS CCP, IBM CSA, 2x MSc, Olanrewaju Adeoye CISA, OCA, OCADB, OCI, MCSA, ITIL V4, Azure, Victor ALABI, CISA, ISC², Kyle Lackner, Eric Malm, Christoph Ziegler, Parker Tembo, Mordecai Omobo, @Fenesoa Ratovo, Hubert MUSANGWA, Thomas Engelhardt, Rolf Reichardt, Jenny Schröder #CyberCulture #CISMaturityModel #AdvancedCRA #PersuasiveCommunication #CyberIncident #ManagementPolicy #SOC #CIAssetInventory #CyberSecurityStrategy #CISKPIs #Trends #Incidents #Changemanagement

Access Microfinance Holding AG is pleased to announce that AFG HOLDING SA has acquired a controlling stake in our company and, thus, indirectly in our African subsidiaries, including Access Bank Liberia, AccèsBanque Madagascar, AB Microfinance Bank Nigeria, AB Rwanda, and AB Bank Zambia. This strategic move supports our mission of financial inclusion, with AFG’s expertise in digital services enriching our offering. The management teams of AccessHolding and our subsidiaries will remain unchanged and ensure a smooth transition. Together with AFG, we will continue to support micro and small enterprises across Africa. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eJz7ZP9B