In commemoration of World Blood Donor Day and World Sickle Cell Day 2025, Access Holdings, one of Africa’s leading financial services groups, successfully executed a group-wide blood drive across six African countries, reinforcing its commitment to improving health outcomes and driving real impact in the communities it serves.  Held under the theme “Shine the Light on Sickle Cell,” the initiative brought together employees, community members, health professionals, and partner organisations in a coordinated effort to provide safe blood donations, a lifeline for individuals living with sickle cell disorder and others in critical need of transfusions.

A Continent United by Purpose

Blood donation is still one of the most essential yet underappreciated pillars of public health in Africa.

According to the World Health Organisation, Africa faces a significant shortfall in safe and voluntary blood donations, a challenge that puts countless lives at risk, especially those living with conditions such as Sickle Cell Disorder (SCD), which affects millions across the continent.

Recognising this need, Access Holdings expanded its annual blood donation initiative beyond Nigeria’s borders, extending its reach to African subsidiaries of its banking group, Access Bank, in Angola, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, and Cameroon.

In some countries, the drive focused specifically on supporting individuals living with sickle cell disease, while in others, it formed part of broader efforts to strengthen national blood banks and encourage a culture of voluntary donation.

“This was not just about donating blood, it was about showing up for our communities when it matters most,” said Esther Graham, Programme Officer, Health, Access Holdings.

“In Nigeria, where an estimated 2 million units of blood are needed annually but only about 25–30% of that is collected, and less than a fifth of that from voluntary donors. The impact is heartbreaking; emergency care is delayed, maternal mortality rises, and lives are lost to preventable shortages. Across Africa, the situation is just as critical, with an average of only 5 units available per 1,000 people, only half of the World Health Organisation’s recommended benchmark. This initiative was a powerful reminder that even the smallest act of generosity can create life-saving impact and reaffirm our shared humanity.”

Real Impact, Tangible Results 

The campaign witnessed strong participation from staff, customers, and local community members, many of whom were first-time donors. To ensure safety and ethical standards, Access Holdings partnered certified healthcare organisations and blood banks to guarantee that every unit collected was properly handled and responsibly distributed.

Key results from the drive include:

• 760+ pints of blood donated across 6 countries

• Hundreds of lives potentially impacted, especially among patients with chronic conditions.

• Increased public awareness around sickle cell disorder and the importance of voluntary blood donation.

• High staff engagement, led by the Sustainability Champions Network across Access subsidiaries.

“It was heartwarming to see staff across all levels participate,” said Tania Macaneta, Team Lead, Marketing and Communications, African Subsidiaries, Access Bank.

“In some locations, even community members and customers stepped up to donate. This kind of unified action is what sustainable development truly looks like.”

More Than One-Time Campaign

The blood drive forms part of Access Holdings’ broader commitment to sustainability and health equity under its impact agenda.

In recent years, the Group has supported sickle cell warriors through initiatives that include:

• Free insurance cover for individuals living with SCD

• Educational support and back-to-school items for affected children

• Public awareness campaigns and screenings in underserved communities.

By integrating sustainability into the fabric of its business operations, Access Holdings continues to demonstrate that profit and purpose can, and should, go hand in hand. “Blood donation is one of the most selfless acts anyone can make, it requires no wealth, only the will to help. At Access Bank, we believe in building stronger communities through compassion and care. Today, we celebrate every donor whose generosity saves lives, and we encourage more people to step forward and be heroes,” said Allan Ratemo, Head of Corporate Communications, Access Bank Kenya.

The Way Forward

While the 2025 blood drive may be over, its message endures: impact is a habit, not an event. Through continued education, partnerships, and volunteerism, Access Holdings is committed to fostering a culture of compassion and proactive health support across Africa.

“At Access Bank, we recognise that the simple act of donating blood can mean the difference between life and death. On this World Blood Donor Day, we stand in solidarity with donors around the world and reaffirm our commitment to supporting health and humanity. Giving blood is not just a donation, it is a gift of life, and we are proud to champion this cause,” noted Maline Cera, Team Lead, Corporate Communications, Access Bank Mozambique.

As Access Holdings reflects the impact of this year’s drive, one thing is certain; its staff, partners, and communities are ready to keep showing up, time and again.

Fidelity Bank has announced the launch of the 2025 edition of its SME Empowerment Program, offering a game-changing opportunity for Nigerian small and medium enterprises. This year’s initiative promises a Digital Transformation Bundle worth N1 million, free branding services, and a comprehensive business management masterclass all at no cost to selected entrepreneurs.

Targeted at growth-stage businesses ready to scale, the program is designed to empower entrepreneurs with digital tools, strategic branding, and business acumen to stay competitive in today’s fast-evolving economy.

According to Fidelity Bank, this initiative is part of its ongoing commitment to supporting SMEs through practical resources, expert training, and access to transformation-enabling services. The bank is partnering with top facilitators and brand experts to help entrepreneurs boost visibility, streamline operations, and make smarter business decisions.

Related: Call for Applications: 2025 Africa Youth Negotiators Fellowship

What selected businesses will get:

• A digital transformation bundle worth N1 million
• Branding and marketing services tailored to their business
• Business management masterclass by top professionals
• Exposure and potential access to more support channels
• Access to cutting-edge digital tools and systems
• Business Tools Provided
• POS Desktop Computer (pre-installed)
• ERPRev Business Software
• Receipt Printer & Barcode ScannerFunding for SMEs
• Inventory Data Input Support
• Monitoring & Evaluation tools and training
• Fidelity POS with instant settling

To qualify, businesses must be:

•  Registered in Nigeria
• Operational for at least 12 months
• Ready to embrace digital transformation

Applications are currently open and interested entrepreneurs can apply via the official link on the Fidelity Bank or MSME Africa website. The deadline for submission has not been specified, but early application is advised as slots are limited.

This program offers more than just funding it provides a solid platform for business growth in a challenging economic landscape. If you’re a business owner looking to digitize your operations and elevate your brand, this might just be your next big break.

Ecobank Nigeria is undergoing a comprehensive transformation aimed at accelerating revenue growth, improving asset quality, and enhancing operational efficiency. Early results from the first half of 2025 demonstrate significant progress, with revenue increasing by 30% to ₦113.7 billion compared to ₦87.6 billion in H1 2024.

The bank has also accelerated impairment provisions to support loan write-offs and has seen gross impairment charges rise by over 200% to ₦32.8 billion in H1 2025. Profit before tax nearly doubled, reaching ₦13.5 billion, up 90% from ₦7.1 billion in the prior year period. Ecobank Nigeria continues to maintain a liquidity ratio well above the regulatory minimum of 30%.

A source from the bank says a key driver of this success is the establishment of the asset quality war room, which has intensified efforts in loan collections and recoveries. Additionally, improved oil production has positively impacted the bank’s loan recovery, particularly in the oil and gas sector. Notably, the bank recovered $6 million (over ₦9 billion) from a long-standing delinquent borrower, and over ₦170 billion in stage 2 loans were reclassified to stage 1 following consistent performance.

Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI), the parent company, remains committed to supporting Ecobank Nigeria, having injected over $10 million in 2024 to help meet the Central Bank of Nigeria’s capital requirements. Further capital injections and strategic measures are underway to restore the bank’s Capital Adequacy Ratio to required levels.

The bank recently confirmed the successful early repayment of 50% of its US$300 million Eurobond ahead of its February 2026 maturity, demonstrating strong financial resilience. The bond currently trades near par, reflecting investor confidence.

Ecobank Nigeria continues to comply with regulatory directives, refraining from dividend payouts or management bonuses to preserve capital and ensure long-term stability.

An industry analyst commented, “While challenges remain, the ongoing transformation positions Ecobank Nigeria for sustainable growth. The near-par trading of its bond signals a strong market.