Navigating Change with Purpose: Our 2024 Impact Report
By Ivana Mitrovic
The year 2024 brought significant global challenges – from geopolitical tensions and climate disruptions to economic pressures across many of the regions where we operate. These events tested the resilience of financial institutions worldwide. Yet, AccessHolding not only weathered these storms; we advanced with determination, responsibility, and an unwavering commitment to our Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) values.
The year began with a key transition: Access Microfinance Bank Tanzania moved to new ownership under Selcom Paytech and other individual investors. In September, we marked another major milestone as AFG Holding SA acquired a controlling stake in AccessHolding and our African subsidiaries. These changes bring fresh perspectives and renewed energy into our organisation, and we warmly welcome our new partners on this journey forward.
Across our network – in Liberia, Madagascar, Zambia, Nigeria, and Rwanda – our institutions operated in complex and diverse economic and political environments. Through it all, our ESG principles remained our compass, guiding both strategy and day-to-day decisions.
Despite the headwinds, our institutions delivered strong financial results. In Rwanda, AB achieved a Return on Equity of over 20%, reflecting robust performance. In Nigeria, we expanded our branch network and recorded significant growth in assets, deposits, and the loan portfolio. AccèsBanque Madagascar deepened its outreach in financial inclusion while remaining profitable. In Liberia, AccessBank served over 22,000 loan clients and remained financially stable. Meanwhile, in Zambia, AB Bank posted nearly USD 1 million in net profit, reinforcing its solid position in the market.
Our growth was not only financial but also deeply impactful. Loan disbursements rose by 14%, a clear sign of increasing beneficial outputs across our institutions. Serving 973,940 customers, our work is 100% aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals – especially SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). As we focus exclusively on frontier and emerging markets, we continue to reach underserved populations: 45% of our employees are women, 50% of our customers are female, 5% are youth (under 24), and 15% live in rural areas.
In 2024, we also strengthened our commitment to client protection by actively participating in the Client Protection Pathway. We enhanced our screening and grievance mechanisms and upheld a strict zero-tolerance policy for unethical financing practices.
Internally, we continued to invest in our people. We prioritised employee well-being through comprehensive health coverage, competitive salaries, and clear professional development opportunities. Our Code of Conduct and grievance systems help ensure that every employee works in a safe and respectful environment.
On the environmental front, we took meaningful steps toward sustainability, from improving energy efficiency and supporting local communities to educating clients about responsible practices. For us, sustainability is not a slogan – it is a principle we put into action.
The 2024 Impact Report captures who we are and what we stand for. In the face of uncertainty, we chose purpose, people, and the planet.
We invite you to explore the full Impact Report to learn more.
For more details, see the full Impact Report.
