Access Bank Plc, through its W Initiative, has partnered with the
Project Management Institute (PMI) to expand Nigerian women’s access
to globally recognised project management certifications.
The initiative comes against the backdrop of persistent gender
disparities in Nigeria’s formal private sector. McKinsey’s Women in
the Workplace 2025: India, Nigeria, and Kenya report found that although
women account for around half of Nigeria’s workforce, they occupy only
one in three entry-level positions in the formal private sector. The
disparity is also evident in project management, where men globally
outnumber women by three to one, according to PMI’s The State of Women
in Project Management (2023) report.
At the same time, demand for skilled project professionals continues to
rise. According to PMI’s Global Talent Gap report, Nigeria could
require up to 211,000 additional project professionals by 2035 to meet
growing demand and replace those leaving the workforce. Across
sub-Saharan Africa, demand is projected to increase by up to 75%,
reaching 4.6 million professionals by 2035. Expanding women’s access
to project management opportunities can help address this talent gap
while promoting greater gender inclusion in the profession.
The W Initiative is Access Bank’s flagship platform for women’s
empowerment, providing access to loans and credit facilities,
capacity-building and mentorship programmes, and the W Community, which
offers financial and business advisory support and lifestyle benefits.
The partnership with PMI extends these offerings to women’s
professional development by making globally recognised project
management certifications more affordable.
Under the partnership, eligible women can enjoy a 25% discount on the
examination fees for PMI’s Certified Associate in Project Management
(CAPM)® and Project Management Professional (PMP)® certifications.
Participating PMI Authorised Training Partners are also offering
discounts of up to 50% on examination preparation courses until December
2026.
Commenting on the partnership, George Asamani, Managing Director, PMI
Sub-Saharan Africa, said, “Nigeria needs more professionals with the
skills to deliver projects successfully, and women have an important
role to play in meeting this demand. Through our partnership with Access
Bank, women at different stages of their careers can acquire recognised
project management certifications, strengthen their professional
capabilities and contribute to the projects shaping Nigeria’s
future.”
Project management skills are relevant across several sectors, including
banking, technology, healthcare, construction, energy and agriculture.
From implementing digital solutions and delivering infrastructure to
expanding businesses, organisations need professionals who can lead
teams, manage risks and translate plans into results. These transferable
skills also create opportunities for professionals to build careers
across industries.
The CAPM certification is designed for individuals looking to begin a
career in project management and does not require prior project
management experience, although candidates must meet the applicable
education and training requirements. The PMP certification is intended
for experienced professionals and validates their project management
expertise, strengthening their professional credentials and positioning
them for further career opportunities.
Nene Kunle-Ogunlusi, Head, Women Banking Team, Access Bank Plc, said,
“Supporting women’s financial ambitions also means helping them
invest in their professional growth and earning potential. Through the W
Initiative, we are committed to connecting women with opportunities that
support their aspirations. Our partnership with PMI is another step
towards achieving this goal by making globally recognised project
management certifications more affordable and accessible to women.”
The offer is available to existing Access Bank customers and women who
open new accounts with the bank. To qualify, applicants must have an
active Access Bank account and a W Debit Card, complete the
programme’s registration and verification process, and meet PMI’s
eligibility requirements for their chosen certification.
Through this partnership, Access Bank and PMI reaffirm their commitment
to expanding women’s access to professional development opportunities,
strengthening the project management talent pool and supporting women to
thrive in a growing and increasingly competitive economy.
